Directional terms Flashcards
Anterior
Front surface of the body
Ventral
Front surface of the body
Posterior
Back surface of the body
Dorsal
Back surface of the body
Superior
Closest to the head
Inferior
Closest to the feet
Proximal
Closest to the point of attachment
Distal
Farthest from the point of attachment
Medial
Closest to the midline
Lateral
Farthest from the midline
Superficial
Closest to the surface of the skin
Deep
Farthest from the surface of the skin
Coronal plane
Front and back
Transverse plane
Top and bottom
Sagittal plane
Left and right
Midsagittal (midline)
Left and right - equal halves
Palmar
front region of the hand
Plantar
Bottom of the foot
Flexion
bending of a joint
Extension
Straightening of a joint
Adduction
Motion toward midline
Abduction
Motion away from midline
Bilateral
A body part that appears on both sides of the midline
Unilateral
Structures that only appear on one side of the body
Prone
face down
Supine
On your back
Shock position
Feet elevated, patient laying on their back. Helps increase blood flow to the brain
Fowler’s position
Sitting up with knees bent. Helps the patient breathe easier and to control the airway
Recovery position
Laying on the side, one arm under head
