Directional Terms Flashcards
Anterior
Towards the front of the body
Ventral
Towards the front of the body
Posterior
Towards the back of the body
Dorsal
Towards the back of the body
External
On or near the surface of the body
Superficial
Close to the surface of the body
Internal
Within or near the center of the body
Deep
Far below the surface of the body
Medial
Towards the midline of the body
Lateral
Toward the side of the body
Palmar
Concerning the palm of the hand (opposite term is Dorsal)
Plantar
Concerning the sole of the foot (opposite term is Dorsal)
Proximal
Nearest to the center of the body, origin, or point of attachment
Distal
Farthest from the center of the body, origin, or point of attachment
Superior
Higher, above, or toward the head
Inferior
Beneath, lower, or away from the head
Cranial
Higher, above, or toward the head
Caudal
Beneath, lower, or away from the head
Supine
Lying horizontally on the back with face up
Prone
Lying face-down
Frontal Plane
Divides the body vertically into front and back portions
Coronal Plane
Divides the body vertically into front and back portions
Medial Plane
Divides the body vertically into left and right portions
Sagittal Plane
Divides the body vertically into left and right portions
Transverse Plane
Divides the body horizontally into upper and lower portions
