Directional Terms

Question 1

A surface, real or imaginary, along which any two points can be connected by a straight line

Answer 1

Plane

Question 2

Divides the head, body, or limb longitudinally into equal right and left halves

Answer 2

Median Plane

Question 3

Passes through the head, body, or limb parallel to the median plane

Answer 3

Sagittal Plane

Question 4

Cuts across the head, body, or limb at a right angle to its long axis or across the long axis of an organ or a part

Answer 4

Transverse Plane

Question 5

Runs at right angles to the median and transverse planes and thus divides the body or head into dorsal and ventral portions

Answer 5

Dorsal Plane

Question 6

Toward or relatively near the upper surface of the head, body, and tail.

Answer 6

Dorsal

Question 7

Toward or relatively near the supporting surface and the corresponding surface of the head, neck, thorax, and tail. NEVER used for the limbs

Answer 7

Ventral

Question 8

Toward or relatively near the median plane

Answer 8

Medial

Question 9

Away from or relatively farther from the median plane

Answer 9

Lateral

Question 10

Toward or relatively near the head; on the limbs it applies proximal to the carpus and tarsus

Answer 10

Cranial

Question 11

Toward or relatively near the nose; applies to the head only

Answer 11

Rostral

Question 12

Toward or relatively near the tail; on the limbs it applies proximal to the carpus and tarsus

Answer 12

Caudal

Question 13

Close to, or in the direction of the center of an organ, body cavity, or structure

Answer 13

Internal or Inner

Question 14

Away from the center of an organ or structure

Answer 14

External or Outer

Question 15

Relatively near the surface of the body or the surface of a solid organ

Answer 15

Superficial

Question 16

Relatively near the center of the body or the center of the solid organ

Answer 16

Deep

Question 17

Relatively near the main mass or origin; in the limbs and tail, the attached end of that structure

Answer 17

Proximal

Question 18

Away from the main mass or origin; in the limbs and tail, the free end of the structure

Answer 18

Distal

Question 19

On that side of the forearm in which the radius is located

Answer 19

Radial

Question 20

On that side of the forearm in which the ulna is located

Answer 20

Ulnar

Question 21

On the corresponding sides of the leg, the tibial side being medial and the fibular side being lateral

Answer 21

Tibial and Fibular

Question 22

The aspect of the forepaw on which the pads are located– the surface that contacts the ground in the standing animal– and the corresponding surface of the metacarpus and carpus

Answer 22

Palmar

Question 23

The aspect of the hindpaw on which the pads are located–the surface that contacts the ground in the standing animal–and the corresponding surface on the metatarsus and tarsus.

Answer 23

Plantar

Question 24

The central line of the body or any of its parts

Answer 24

Axis

Question 25

Pertaining to or relative to the axis. In reference to the digits, the functional axis of the limb passes between the third and fourth digits.

Answer 25

Axial/Abaxial

Question 26

The movement of one bone in relation to another in such a manner that the angle formed at their joint is reduced. The limb is retracted or folded; the digit is bent; the back is arched dorsally

Answer 26

Flexion

Question 27

The movement of one bone upon another such that the angle formed at their joint increases. The limb reaches out or is extended; the digit is straightened

Answer 27

Extension

Question 28

The movement of a part away from the median plane

Answer 28

Abduction

Question 29

The movement of a part toward the median plane

Answer 29

Adduction

Question 30

The movement of a part when outlining the surface of a cone

Answer 30

Circumduction

Question 31

The movement of a part around its long axis

Answer 31

Rotation

Question 32

Lateral rotation of the appendage so that the palmar or plantar surface of the paw faces medially

Answer 32

Supination

Question 33

Medial rotation of the appendage from the supine position so that the palmar or plantar surface will face the substrate

Answer 33

Pronation

Question 34

The arm; between the shoulder and elbow

Answer 34

Brachium

Question 35

For the forearm; between the elbow and the carpus

Answer 35

Antebrachium

Question 36

For the pelvic limb; between the hip and stifle

Answer 36

Thigh

Question 37

For the leg; between stifle and tarsus

Answer 37

Crus