The Basics: Positioning, Directionality, Movement, Axes, and Laterality Flashcards
Standard Anatomical Position
Standing erect w/ feet on the floor
Arms at the side w/ palms facing forward
Head, feet, and palms facing forward
Reference position
Terminology Used Relative to Anatomical Position
Directional terms Terms of laterality Depth Body positioning Movement Planes of imaging
Axes
Vertical and Oblique
Vertical Axes
Comprised of 4 Regions:
- Cephalic
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Abdominal
Oblique Axis
2 Limb Regions: upper and lower
Directional Terms (Vertical Axis)
Superior/Cranial/Cephalic Inferior/Caudal Anterior/Ventral Posterior/Dorsal Medial Lateral
Superior/Cephalic
Toward the head
Inferior/Caudal
Toward the feet
Anterior/Ventral
Toward the front of the body
Posterior/Dorsal
Toward the back of the body
Medial
Toward the midline of the body
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body
Directional Terms (Oblique Axis)
Proximal
Distal
Proximal
Closer to the origin of the body part part or point of attachment of the limb to the trunk
Ex: shoulder joint is proximal to the elbow
Distal
Farther from the origin of the body part or point of attachment of the limb to the trunk
Ex: the foot is distal to the knee
Regionally Specific Directional Terms
Hand - Anterior surface (palmar) // Posterior surface (dorsal)
Foot - Sole of the foot (plantar) // Top of the foot (dorsal)
Bilateral
Paired structures (structures for which there is both a right and a left)
Unilateral
Describing one side of the body
Ipsilateral
Structures on the SAME side of the body
Contralateral
Structures on OPPOSITE sides of the body
Terms of Depth
Superficial / External
Deep / Internal
Terms of Positioning
Supine
Prone
Lateral decubitus (Recumbent)
Terms of Movement
Flexion Extension Abduction Adduction Medial / Internal Rotation Lateral / External Rotation Elevation Depression
Flexion
For Extremities: movement that decreases the angle between 2 body parts
For Spine: forward bending
Extension
For Extremities: movement that increases the angle between two body parts
For Spine: bending backwards
Abduction
Movement away from the midline
Adduction
Movement toward the midline
Medial / Internal Rotation
Rotation toward the midline of the body
Lateral / Internal Rotation
Rotation away from midline of the body
Elevation
Movement in an inferior direction
Depression
Movement in an inferior direction
