Anatomical Terminology

Question 1

Anterior/Posterior

Answer 1

Ant: Refers to the front surfaces of the body (in front of)
Pos: Refers to the back surfaces of the body

Question 2

Superior/Inferior

Answer 2

Sup: Refers to upward surfaces
Inf: Refers to downward surfaces

Question 3

Medial/Lateral

Answer 3

Med: Towards the midline or median plane
Lat: Away from the midline or median plane

Question 4

Proximal/Distal

Answer 4

Pro: Towards the point of attachment of the limb to the body
Dis: Farther away from the point of attatchment

Question 5

Superficial/Deep

Answer 5

Sup: On, or close to the surface of the body
Deep: Farther away from the surface of the body

Question 6

Frontal Plane

Answer 6

The frontal (coronal) plane is vertical and extends from one side of the body to the other side

Question 7

Transverse Plane

Answer 7

The transverse (horizontal) plane is horizontal and divides the body into upper and lower segments

Question 8

Sagittal Plane

Answer 8

The sagittal (median) plane is vertical and extends from the front of the body to the back

Question 9

Horizontal Axis

Answer 9

Extends from one side of the body to the other

Question 10

Longitudinal Axis

Answer 10

Aka the polar axis, vertical and runs from head to toe

Question 11

Antero-posterior Axis

Answer 11

Extends from the front of the body to the back

Question 12

Flexion/Extension

Answer 12

F:The action of bending at a joint such that the joint angle decreases
E:Opposite of flexion. It occurs when you increase the joint angle (straightening your arm)

Question 13

Abduction/Adduction

Answer 13

Ab:Occurs when you move a body segment to the side and away from your body
Ad:The opposite of abduction and occurs when you move a body segment towards your body

Question 14

Supination/Pronation

Answer 14

S:Rotating the wrist such that the palm of your hand is facing forward (catching a softball)
P:Opposite direction of supination (dribbling a basketball)

Question 15

Plantar Flexion/Dorsiflexion

Answer 15

P:Specific to the ankle joint. Occurs when you point your toes (standing on your tip toes)
D:Specific to the ankle joint. Occurs when you bend at the ankle to bring the top of your foot closer to your shin (essential when walking, jumping, or sprinting)

Question 16

Inversion/Eversion

Answer 16

I:Associated with the ankle joint. It is a result of standing on the outer edge of your foot (twisting your ankle)
E:Associated with the ankle joint. A result of standing on the inner edge of your foot.

Question 17

External Rotation/Internal Rotation

Answer 17

E:When you twist/turn a body part outward from the midline. (You externally rotate your foot when you turn your toes outward)
I:When you twist/turn your body towards the midline (turning your toes inward)

Question 18

Circumduction

Answer 18

Combo of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction (throwing a softball with a windmill action)

Question 19

Elevation/Depression

Answer 19

E:Movement in a superior direction (hunching shoulders)
D:Movement in an inferior direction (slouching shoulders)

Question 20

Protraction/Retraction

Answer 20

P:Moving in an anterior direction (sticking your chin out)
R:Moving in a posterior direction (squeezing shoulder blades)

Question 21

Opposition/Reposition

Answer 21

O: When the thumb comes into contact with one of the other fingers
R: When thumb is returned to anatomical position