Lecture 1 - Anatomical Positions Flashcards
Median (midsagittal) plane
Divides a structure into right and left positions.
Frontal (coronal) plane
Divides a structure into anterior and posterior portions.
Transverse plane
Divides a structure into superior and inferior positions
Medial
Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of
Superior (cranial)
Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above
Inferior (caudal)
Away from the head end or toward the lower part of the structure or the body; below
Proximal
Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of limb to the body trunk
Distal
Farther from the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk
Ipsilateral
On the same side
Contralateral
On opposite sides
Anterior (ventral)
Toward or at the front of the body; in front of
Anatomical position is…
a standardized method of observing or imaging the body that allows precise and consistent anatomical references.
When in the anatomical position…
the subject stands erect facing the observer, the upper extremities are placed at the sides, the palms of the hands are turned forward (supinated), and the feet are flat on the floor.
