Introduction To The Body Flashcards
Median
The ///// plane is the midline longitudinal plane dividing the head and torso into right and left halves. The presence of the sectioned midline of the vertebral column and spinal cord is characteristic of this plane. The ///// plane is the middle sagittal (mid-sagittal) plane.
Sagittal
The ////_/ plane is a longitudinal plane dividing the head and torso into left and right parts (*not halves). It is parallel to the median plane.
Coronal
The ////_/ plane is a longitudinal plane dividing the body (head, torso, limbs) or its parts into front and back halves or parts.
Frontal
The ////_/ plane is a longitudinal plane dividing the body (head, torso, limbs) or its parts into front and back halves or parts.
Transverse
The ///// plane divides the body into upper and lower halves or parts (cross sections). It is perpendicular to the longitudinal planes. ///// planes may be horizontal planes of the upright body. (*also referred to as the “axial” or “transaxial” by radiologists)
Cross
The ///// plane divides the body into upper and lower halves or parts (cross sections). It is perpendicular to the longitudinal planes. ///// planes may be horizontal planes of the upright body. (*also referred to as the “axial” or “transaxial” by radiologists)
Anatomical Position
Body erect, arms at sides, palms up
Cranial
This term refers to a structure being closer to the head or higher than another structure of the body. This term is not used with respect to the limbs.
Superior
This term refers to a structure being closer to the head or higher than another structure of the body. This term is not used with respect to the limbs.
Rostral
This term refers to a structure being closer to the head or higher than another structure of the body. This term is not used with respect to the limbs.
Anterior
This term refers to a structure being more in front than another structure in the body.
Ventral
This term refers to a structure being more in front than another structure in the body.
Dorsal
This term refers to a structure being more in back than another structure in the body.
Posterior
This term refers to a structure being more in back than another structure in the body.
Medial
This term refers to a structure that is closer to the median plane than another structure in the body.
Lateral
This term refers to a structure that is further away from the median plane than another structure in the body.
Proximal
Employed only with reference to the limbs, this term refers to a structure being closer to the median plane or root of the limb than another structure in the limb.
Distal
Employed only with reference to the limbs, this term refers to a structure being further away from the median plane or root of the limb than another structure in the limb.
Caudal
This term refers to a structure being closer to the feet or the lower part of the body than another structure in the body. This term is not used with respect to the limbs.
Inferior
This term refers to a structure being closer to the feet or the lower part of the body than another structure in the body. This term is not used with respect to the limbs.
Superficial
The term “/////” is synonymous with external. Related to the reference point on the chest wall, a structure closer to the surface of the body is /////.
Deep
The term “/////” is synonymous with internal. Related to the reference point on the chest wall, a structure further away from the surface is /////.
Ipsilateral
The term “////_/” means “on the same side”. In this case, the same side as the reference point.
Contralateral
The term “////_/” means “on the opposite side”. In this case, the opposite side as the reference point.
