Body Planes and Orientation

Question 1

Proximal

Answer 1

Closer in to the center. (Proximal and approximate come from the same word and mean close)

Question 2

Distal

Answer 2

Farther away from the center. (Distal and distant come from the same word and mean far)

Question 3

Lateral

Answer 3

Out to the side.

Question 4

Medial

Answer 4

Toward the middle. (like the median of a highway)

Question 5

Ventral/Antral/Anterior

Answer 5

The front. (The word ventral means “stomach”)

Question 6

Dorsal/Posterior

Answer 6

The back. (A dorsal fin on a shark is on it’s back).

Question 7

Cranial

Answer 7

Toward the top.

Question 8

Caudal

Answer 8

Toward the bottom. (from Latin, for tail)

Question 9

Superior

Answer 9

Above

Question 10

Inferior

Answer 10

Below

Question 11

Prone

Answer 11

Lying down on belly

Question 12

Supine

Answer 12

Lying down on back

Question 13

Contralateral

Answer 13

Opposite Side

Question 14

Ipsilateral

Answer 14

Same Side

Question 15

Unilateral

Answer 15

One side

Question 16

Bilateral

Answer 16

Both sides

Question 17

Dorsum

Answer 17

The top of the hand or foot

Question 18

Plantar

Answer 18

The sole of the foot

Question 19

Palmar

Answer 19

The palm of the hand

Question 20

Sagittal

Answer 20

Divides the body in slices right to left. L/R

Sagitta is Latin for arrow; think of this as dividing the body in half from the top of the head down

Question 21

Coronal

Answer 21

Divides the body into slices from front to back B/F

Corona is Latin for crown; this plane divides the body in half from the top of the head down

Question 22

Transverse

Answer 22

Divides the body from top to bottom T/B

this goes through the middle of body