Chapter 1: Orientation and Directional Terms Flashcards
Superior (Cranial)
Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above.
“The forehead is superior to the nose.”
Inferior (Caudal)
Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below.
“The navel is inferior to the breastbone.”
Ventral (Anterior)
Toward or at the front of the body; in front of.
“The breastbone is anterior to the spine.”
Dorsal (Posterior)
Toward or at the backside of the body; behind.
“The heart is posterior to the breastbone.”
“Dorsal fin of a fish is on its’ back.”
Medial
Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.
“The heart is medial to the arm.”
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of.
“The arms are lateral to the chest.”
Intermediate
Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.
“The collarbone is intermediate between the breastbone and the shoulder.”
Proximal
Close to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
“The elbow is proximal to the wrist (meaning that the elbow is closer to the shoulder or attachment point of the arm than the wrist is).”
Distal
Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
“The knee is distal to the thigh.”
Superficial (External)
Toward or at the body surface.
“The skin is superficial to the skeleton.”
A “superficial” cut or friendship is only “on the surface.”
Deep (Internal)
Away from the body surface; more internal.
“The lungs are deep into the rib cage.”
Frontal (coronal) plane
Transverse plane
Median (Midsagittal plane)
