Anatomical Terms

Question 1

Anatomical position

Answer 1

standardized position from which to describe directional terms (body standing upright, palms forward, etc.)

Question 2

Superior

Answer 2

towards head

Question 3

Inferior

Answer 3

away from head

Question 4

Posterior

Answer 4

towards the back (dorsal)

Question 5

Anterior

Answer 5

towards front (ventral)

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

farther from midline

Question 7

Medial

Answer 7

nearer to midline

Question 8

Proximal

Answer 8

nearer to attachment of limb (only arms and legs)

Question 9

Distal

Answer 9

farther away from attachment of the limb

Question 10

Ipsilateral

Answer 10

same side of the body as another structure

Question 11

Contralateral

Answer 11

opposite side of the body

Question 12

Plane

Answer 12

imaginary flat surface that passes through the body

Question 13

Section

Answer 13

what you see when you make the “cut” of the plane

Question 14

Sagittal Plane

Answer 14

left and right sides of the body

Question 15

Mid-Sagittal Plane

Answer 15

equal halves

Question 16

Para-Sagittal Plane

Answer 16

unequal halves

Question 17

Frontal (coronal) Plane

Answer 17

anterior and posterior portions

Question 18

Transverse Plane

Answer 18

superior and inferior portions

Question 19

Oblique Plane

Answer 19

any angle

Question 20

Posterior Cavity

Answer 20

near posterior surface
2 subdivisions- cranial (formed by skull with brain inside)
spinal

Question 21

Anterior Cavity

Answer 21

near anterior surface
thoracic cavity (above diaphragm, contains lungs and heart)
abdominopelvic (below diaphragm, contains intestines etc.)