Anatomical Terms Flashcards
Anatomical Postion
Standing straight with palms and feet facing forward. This is the position in which all movement, positions, and planes are described.
Anatomical Planes
Fixed lines of reference to divide or section the body for viewing. Studying from different perspectives allows for a three-dimensional perspective.
Sagittal
Divides the body into two parts. (Not equal)
Midsagittal
Divides the body into left and right portions. (Equal)
Frontal/Coronal Plane
The plane dividing the body into front and back portions.
Transverse/Horizontal Plane
The plane that divides the body into upper and lower portions.
Anatomical Directions
Terms of position and direction that describe position of one body part compared to another. (Usually on one of the three planes)
Superior
Refers to a body part being higher or closer to the head compared to another body part.
Inferior
Refers to a body part being or lower or closer to the feet than another body part.
Anterior
Refers to a body part being more in front than another part of the body.
Posterior
Refers to a body part being more in back than another body part.
Medial
Refers to a structure being closer to the median or mid vertical line than another body part.
Lateral
Refers to a body part being farther away from the median/mid vertical line.
Distal
Refers to a body part (like fingers) being farther away from the root of the limb then another part of the limb (like elbow).
Proximal
Refers to a body part (like elbow) being closer to the root of the limb than another body part (like fingers) on the limb.
