Planes & Positions A&P Flashcards
A description of any region or part of the body in a specific stance is called the
anatomical position.
In the anatomical position, the body is upright, directly facing the observer, feet flat and directed forward.
The upper limbs are at the body’s sides with the palms facing forward.
If the body is lying face up, it is in the
supine position.
If the body is lying face down, it is in the
prone position.
Directional terms are words used to
describe the position of one body relative to
another.
Many directional terms are grouped in pairs that have opposite meanings (ex: anterior-posterior), or are grouped together to have combined meanings (ex: anterosuperior).
Anterior view
At or near the front of the body.
Posterior view
At or near the back of the body.
Midline
the imaginary line that divides the body into right and left halves.
Medial
Nearer to midline
Lateral
Away from midline
Superior view
Situated toward the head and further away from the feet; the upper part of a structure.
Inferior view
Situated nearer to the feet than the head; the lower part of a structure.
Deep
Away from the surface of the body
Superficial
Close to the surface of the body
Proximal
Nearer to the origination of a structure.
Distal
Farther from the origination of a structure.
