Anatomical Terminology, General Osteology, and General Arthrology

Question 1

Median Sagittal

Answer 1

A vertical plane that passes through the midline of the body, dividing it into equal left and right halves.

Question 2

Sagittal

Answer 2

Any vertical plane parallel to the median sagittal plane (= parasagittal plane).

Question 3

Coronal

Answer 3

Any vertical plane perpendicular to the sagittal that divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions.

Question 4

Transverse

Answer 4

With reference to the head, neck, and trunk: any horizontal plane that divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions. With reference to the limbs: any plane perpendicular to the long axis of the element.

Question 5

Longitudinal

Answer 5

Any plane that sections an element parallel to its long axis.

Question 6

Superior or Cranial

Answer 6

Refers to one structure being above or closer to the head than another.

Question 7

Inferior or Caudal

Answer 7

Refers to one structure being below or closer to the feet or tail bone (coccyx) than another.

Question 8

Posterior or Dorsal

Answer 8

Refers to one structure being behind another.

Question 9

Medial

Answer 9

Refers to one structure being closer to the median sagittal plane than another.

Question 10

Lateral

Answer 10

Refers to one structure being farther away from the median sagittal plane than another.

Question 11

Proximal

Answer 11

Refers to a structure of the upper limb or lower limb that is closer to the root (attachment) of limb than another

Question 12

Distal

Answer 12

Refers to a structure of the upper or lower limb that is farther away from the root of the limb than another.

Question 13

Palmar

Answer 13

The ventral surface (palm) of the hand or fingers.

Question 14

Dorsal

Answer 14

The dorsal surface (back) of the hand or fingers.

Question 15

Plantar

Answer 15

The ventral surface (bottom or sole) of the foot or toes.

Question 16

Dorsal

Answer 16

The dorsal surface (top) of the foot or toes.

Question 17

Mesial

Answer 17

Toward the anterior midline (i.e., the midpoint between the two central incisor teeth) of the dental arch.

Question 18

Distal

Answer 18

Away from the anterior midline of the dental arch.

Question 19

Lingual

Answer 19

Toward the tongue. Used in reference to all teeth.

Question 20

Labial

Answer 20

Toward the lips. Used in reference to the incisors and canines.

Question 21

Buccal

Answer 21

Toward the cheek. Used in reference to the premolars and molars.

Question 22

Occlusal

Answer 22

The chewing surface that contacts the teeth in the other jaw. Used in reference to the premolars and molars.