Anatomy Directional & Motion Terminology

Question 1

Anterior

Answer 1

In front of or front.

Question 2

Posterior

Answer 2

After, behind, rear, following, or towards the rear.

Question 3

Distal

Answer 3

Away from or farther from the origin.

Question 4

Proximal

Answer 4

Near or closer to the origin.

Question 5

Dorsal

Answer 5

Near the upper surface, towards the back.

Question 6

Ventral

Answer 6

Toward the bottom, toward the belly.

Question 7

Superior

Answer 7

Above or over.

Question 8

Inferior

Answer 8

Below or under.

Question 9

Lateral

Answer 9

Toward the side, away from the mid-line

Question 10

Medial

Answer 10

Toward the mid-line, middle, away from the side.

Question 11

Rostral

Answer 11

Toward the front

Question 12

Caudal

Answer 12

Toward the back, toward the tail.

Question 13

Sagittal Plane

Answer 13

A sagittal plane is an anatomical plane which divides the body into right and left halves.

Question 14

Lateral Plane

Answer 14

1. denoting a position farther from the median plane or midline of the body or a structure.
2. pertaining to a side.

Question 15

Frontal Plane (Also known as a Coronal Plane)

Answer 15

Is any vertical plane that divides the body into ventral and dorsal (belly and back) sections.

Question 16

Transverse plane

Answer 16

The transverse plane (also called the horizontal plane, axial plane, or transaxial plane) is an imaginary plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts. It is perpendicular to the coronal and sagittal planes.

Question 17

Palmar Surface

Answer 17

The palm or grasping side of the hand.

Question 18

Proximal

Answer 18

Near to

Question 19

Distal

Answer 19

Far from

Question 20

Deep

Answer 20

Refers to something further away from the surface.

Question 21

Superficial

Answer 21

Refers to something near the outer surface.

Question 22

Intermediate

Answer 22

Between two other structures.

Question 23

Parietal

Answer 23

Pertaining to the wall of a body cavity.

Question 24

Visceral

Answer 24

A lining associated with organs within the body’s cavities.

Question 25

Gliding

Answer 25

These are motions occur between flat surfaces.

Question 26

Flexion

Answer 26

Flexion describes a bending movement that decreases the angle between a segment and its proximal segment.

Question 27

Extension

Answer 27

Extension is the opposite of flexion, describing a straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts.

Question 28

Abduction

Answer 28

Abduction refers to a motion that pulls a structure or part away from the midline of the body. In the case of fingers and toes, it refers to spreading the digits apart, away from the centerline of the hand or foot.

Question 29

Adduction

Answer 29

Adduction refers to a motion that pulls a structure or part toward the midline of the body, or towards the midline of a limb. In the case of fingers and toes, it refers to bringing the digits together, towards the centerline of the hand or foot.

Question 30

Dorsiflexion

Answer 30

Dorsiflexion where the toes are brought closer to the shin. This decreases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the leg.

Question 31

Plantar Flexion

Answer 31

Plantar flexion is the movement which decreases the angle between the sole of the foot and the back of the leg.

Question 32

Palmarflexion

Answer 32

Palmarflexion refers to decreasing the angle between the palm and the anterior forearm.

Question 33

Dorsiflexion of the hand

Answer 33

Dorsiflexion refers to extension at the wrist joint. This brings the hand closer to the dorsum of the body.

Question 34

Pronation

Answer 34

Pronation at the forearm is a rotational movement where the hand and upper arm are turned inwards. Pronation of the foot refers to turning of the foot outwards, so that weight is borne on the medial part of the foot.

Question 35

Supination

Answer 35

Supination of the forearm occurs when the forearm or palm are rotated outwards. Supination of the foot refers to turning of the sole of the foot inwards.

Question 36

Eversion

Answer 36

Eversion is the movement of the sole of the foot away from the median plane.