Anatomical Terms Flashcards
Anatomical Position
Standing erect, feet together, arms at sides with palms and head facing foward
Superior
Closer to the head
Inferior
Closer to the feet
Transverse Plane
Imaginary line that divides the body in superior and inferior portions.
Anterior (ventral)
Towards the front.
Posterior (dorsal)
Towards the back
Coronal Plane
Imaginary line that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.
Midline
Imaginary line drawn down the centre of the body.
Lateral
Away from the midline.
Medial
Towards the midline (hint: M&M)
Midcavicular Line
Imaginary vertical line that is parallel to the midline that is drawn down the middle of the clavicle.
(Hint: left and right line)
Midaxillary Line
Imaginary vertical line passing through the middle of the axilla (armpit)
(Hint: line drown down both sides of the body through the armpit)
Sagittal (midline) Plane
Imaginary line that separates the body into left and right portions.
Proximal
Closer to the trunk.
Distal
Farther from the trunk.
Hint: DISTance
Central
Towards the centre of the body.
Probably the only one I’ll remember :p
Peripheral
Away from the centre of the body.
Supine
Laying on your back.
Prone
Laying on your front.
Abduction
Movement AWAY from the midline.
Adduction
Movement TOWARDS the midline.
Hint: ADDing more muscle
Flexion
Movement around the joint where the two parts are brought closer together.
(Hint: bending toes towards the legs)
Extension
Movement around the joints where the two parts are brought FARTHER apart.
(Hint: EXTENd toes, point)
