Anatomy teminology Flashcards
Posterior (Dorsal)
Toward the back of the body.
Anterior (Ventral)
Toward the front of the body
Superior (Cranial)
Toward the head or upper part of a structure; above.
Inferior (Caudal)
Away from the head; toward the lower part of a structure or the feet; below.
Superficial
Toward or at the body surface.
Deep
Away from the body surface; more internal.
Medial
Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side.
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side.
Proximal
Closer to the point of origin of a body part or the attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
Distal
Farther from the point of origin of a body part or the attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
Ipsilateral
On the same side of the body.
Contralateral
On the opposite side of the body.
Palmar
Relating to the palm side of the hand.
Plantar
Relating to the sole of the foot.
Sagittal Plane
Divides the body into left and right sections.
Coronal (Frontal) Plane
Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Axial (Transverse) Plane
Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.
Abduction
Movement away from the midline of the body.
Adduction
Movement toward the midline of the body.
Flexion
Decreasing the angle between two body parts, typically moving a part anteriorly in the anatomical position.
Extension
Increasing the angle between two body parts, typically moving a part posteriorly in the anatomical position.
Medial Rotation
Rotation toward the midline of the body (e.g., turning the arm so the palm faces inward).
Lateral Rotation
Rotation away from the midline of the body (e.g., turning the arm so the palm faces outward).
Circumduction
A circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction; occurs at ball-and-socket joints like the shoulder and hip.
