Orientation and Direction terms Flashcards
superior (cranial)
toward the head end or upper part of a structure of the body; above
(the head is superior to the abdomen)
inferior (caudal)
away from the head end or toward the lower part o a structure or the body; below
(the naval is inferior to the chin)
ventral (anterior)
toward or at the front of the body; in front of
the breastbone is anterior to the spine
dorsal (posterior)
toward or at the back of the body; behind
the heart is posterior to the breastbone
medial
toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of
the heart is medial to the arm
lateral
away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of
the arms are lateral to the chest
intermediate
between a more medial and a more lateral structure
the collarbone is intermediate between the breastbone and the shoulder
proximal
closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk
(the elbow is proximal to the wrist)
distal
farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk
(the knee is distal to the thigh)
superficial (external)
toward or at the body surface
the skin is superficial to the skeletal muscles
deep (internal)
away from the body surface; more internal
the lungs are deep to the skin
anatomical position
- body erect
- feet slightly apart
- palms facing forward (thumbs point away from body)
- Always use directional terms as if body is in anatomical position
- right and left refer to body being viewed, not those of observer
regional terms
- axial
- appendicular
axial
head, neck, and trunk
appendicular
limbs
