Anatomy Directional & Motion Terminology Flashcards
Learn & feel comfortable with anatomical directional and motion terminology.
Anterior
In front of or front.
Posterior
After, behind, rear, following, or towards the rear.
Distal
Away from or farther from the origin.
Proximal
Near or closer to the origin.
Dorsal
Near the upper surface, towards the back.
Ventral
Toward the bottom, toward the belly.
Superior
Above or over.
Inferior
Below or under.
Lateral
Toward the side, away from the mid-line
Medial
Toward the mid-line, middle, away from the side.
Rostral
Toward the front
Caudal
Toward the back, toward the tail.
Sagittal Plane
A sagittal plane is an anatomical plane which divides the body into right and left halves.
Lateral Plane
- denoting a position farther from the median plane or midline of the body or a structure.
- pertaining to a side.
Frontal Plane (Also known as a Coronal Plane)
Is any vertical plane that divides the body into ventral and dorsal (belly and back) sections.
Transverse plane
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.
Palmar Surface
The palm or grasping side of the hand.
Proximal
Near to
Distal
Far from
Deep
Refers to something further away from the surface.
Superficial
Refers to something near the outer surface.
Intermediate
Between two other structures.
Parietal
Pertaining to the wall of a body cavity.
Visceral
A lining associated with organs within the body’s cavities.
Gliding
These are motions occur between flat surfaces.
Flexion
Flexion describes a bending movement that decreases the angle between a segment and its proximal segment.
Extension
Extension is the opposite of flexion, describing a straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts.
Abduction
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.
Adduction
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.
Dorsiflexion
Dorsiflexion where the toes are brought closer to the shin. This decreases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the leg.
Plantar Flexion
Plantar flexion is the movement which decreases the angle between the sole of the foot and the back of the leg.
Palmarflexion
Palmarflexion refers to decreasing the angle between the palm and the anterior forearm.
Dorsiflexion of the hand
Dorsiflexion refers to extension at the wrist joint. This brings the hand closer to the dorsum of the body.
Pronation
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.
Supination
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.
Eversion
Eversion is the movement of the sole of the foot away from the median plane.
