Medical Terminology: Anatomical Terms Flashcards
What is the importance of having anatomical terms?
it creates a standard and common method of communication, avoids confusion when identifying structures. Enables you to describe the locations of structures
Describe the anatomical position
standard reference point which all positions, movements, and planes are described. Standing erect, palms and feet are facing forward
Sagittal/ Midsagittal Plane
divides the body into left and right portions
Frontal/ coronal Plane
divides the body into front and back portions
Transverse and Horizontal Plane
divides the body into upper and lower portions
superior
refers to a structure being closer to the head or higher than another structure
inferior
lower than the head
Anterior
refers to a structure being more in the front than another structure
Posterior
refers to a structure being more in the back than another structure
Distal
refers to a structure being further away from the root of the limb than another
Proximal
refers to a structure being closer to the root of the limb than another
superficial
closer to the surface level of the body
deep
refers to a structure being closer to the core of he body than another
medial
refers to a structure being closer to the midline
lateral
refers to a structure being farther from the midline
