Glossary of Directional Terms

Question 1

Abduction

Answer 1

Motion that pulls a structure or part away from the midline of the body

Question 2

Adduction

Answer 2

Motion that pulls a structure or part toward the midline of the body, or towards the midline of a limb

Question 3

Anterior

Answer 3

In front of

Question 4

Bilateral

Answer 4

Both sides

Question 5

Caudal

Answer 5

(caudally) towards the tail

Question 6

Cranial

Answer 6

(cranially) relatively towards the head

Question 7

Deep

Answer 7

Refers to structures found beneath the surface

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

Applies to structures that lie furthest away from the body, away from the point of attachment

Question 9

Dorsal

Answer 9

Refers to structures that lie towards the spine, although the dorsal aspect of the foreleg is towards the front of the standing horse

Question 10

Extension

Answer 10

A straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts

Question 11

Flexion

Answer 11

A bending movement that decreases the angle between body parts

Question 12

Ipsilateral

Answer 12

On the same side of the body

Question 13

Lateral

Answer 13

Structures, which towards the outer side of the horse, are said to lie laterally, towards the side of the body / away from the median line

Question 14

Medial

Answer 14

Structures that lie towards the midline plane (on the inner side). The midline plane divides the horse symmetrically into right and left halves, towards the middle of the body

Question 15

Median Plane

Answer 15

Dissects the body into equal left and right halves

Question 16

Palmar

Answer 16

Refers to the back of the forelimb

Question 17

Plantar

Answer 17

Refers to the back of the hid limb

Question 18

Posterior

Answer 18

In back of i.e. to the rear

Question 19

Protraction

Answer 19

Bringing the limbs forward, the forward swing of the stride

Question 20

Proximal

Answer 20

Applies to the structures that lie nearest to the trunk of the body, towards the point of attachment

Question 21

Retraction

Answer 21

Bringing the limb backwards, the backwards push of the stride

Question 22

Rostral

Answer 22

Applies to parts towards the nose

Question 23

Sagittal Plane

Answer 23

Any plane parallel to the median plane

Question 24

Superficial

Answer 24

Superficial structures occur towards the surface of the skin

Question 25

Transverse Plane

Answer 25

Divides the body into superior (close to the head) and inferior (close to the feet) parts

Question 26

Unilateral

Answer 26

One side

Question 27

Ventral

Answer 27

Ventral structures lie towards the belly of the horse, or the lower surface of the head and neck (towards the underside)