Directional Terms Flashcards
Anatomical Position
Standard position to describe the location and relationship of anatomical parts on your body.
- upright standing position - feet together -arms slightly out
- forearms fully supinated.
Anterior
The front of the body
Posterior
The back of the body
Medial
Towards the midline of body.
Lateral
Away from the midline of body. (Lateral raises)
Superior
Upward surfaces
Inferior
Downward surfaces
Proximal
Toward the point of attachment of the limb.
Distal
Away from the point of attachment of the limb
Frontal plane
Vertical, extends body from one side to another.
Transverse plane
Horizontal, divides the body into upper and lower segments.
Sagittal plane
Vertical, extends body from the front and back of body
Horizontal axes
Extends from one side to another.
Longitudinal axes
Vertical, runs from head to toe.
Anteroposterior axes
Extends from front to back of body.
General rule for describing a body movement
The axis of rotation is always perpendicular to the plane of movement.
Flexion
Decreases angle (ex. Leg up)
Bending of a joint in which the joint angle decreases.
Extension
Increases angle (ex. Leg down and straight)
Bending of a joint in which the joint angle increases.
Hyper extension
Increases angle further. (Ex. Leg all the way back)
Abduction
When you move a body segment to the side and away from your body.
Adduction
When you move a body segment to the side and towards your body.
Planter flexion
Specific to ankle joint. Occurs when pointing toes.
Dorsiflexion
Occurs when you bend your ankle upwards.
Supination
Rotating your wrist so palm is facing upwards (like ur holding soup in ur hand)
Pronation
Rotating your wrist so palm is facing downwards.
Inversion
Standing on outer edge of foot.
Eversion
Standing on inner edge of foot.
External rotation
Twist/turn a body part outward from the midline
Internal rotation
Twist/turn a body part inward from the midline.
Elevation
Lifting something up
Depression
Lifting something down
Circumduction
Combination of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction. Shoulder and hip movements.
