Unit 1: Directional Terminology

Question 1

What are the three directional planes?

Answer 1

1. Median: divides the head, body, or limb into equal right and left halves
   -Sagittal: passes through the head, body, or limb parallel to the median plane
2. Transverse: transects the head, body, or limb perpendicular to its own long axis
3. Dorsal: runs at right angle to the median and transverse planes, dividing the body or head into dorsal and ventral portions

Question 2

Describe Dorsal and Ventral

Answer 2

1. Dorsal: “top” of the head, back, tail. “front” or “top” surface of the foot
2. Ventral: “underside” of the head, truck, and tail

Question 3

Describe Medial and Lateral

Answer 3

1. Medial: toward the median plane
2. Lateral: away from the median plane (toward the side of the truck, head, or limb)

Question 4

Describe Cranial and Caudal

Answer 4

1. Cranial: Towards the head. “Front” surface of the limbs
2. Caudal: Toward the tail. “Back” surface of the limbs

Question 5

Describe Rostral and Caudal

Answer 5

1. Rostral: Only used in the head region, towards the nose.
2. Caudal: Used in head and body region, towards the tail.

Question 6

Describe Proximal and Distal

Answer 6

1. Proximal: Closer to the main body mass
2. Distal: Farther away from the main body mass

Question 7

Describe Palmar and Plantar

Answer 7

1. Palmar: ‘Bottom” of the front feet
2. Plantar: “Bottom” of the hind feet

Question 8

Axis, Axial, and Abaxial

Answer 8

1. Axis: Central line of the body
2. Axial: towards the axis
3. Abaxial: Away from the axis

Question 9

Describe Flexion and Extension

Answer 9

1. Flexion: Act of bending or condition of being bent
2. Extension: Two ends of any jointed part are drawn away from each other (limb into a straight condition)

Question 10

Abduct, Adduct, and Circumduct

Answer 10

1. Abduct: Draw away from the median plane
2. Adduct: Draw towards the median plane
3. Circumduct: circular movement of a limb

Question 11

Rotation, Supination, and Pronation

Answer 11

1. Rotation: Movement of a part on its long axis
2. Supination: Lateral rotation of the limbs causing the palmar/plantar surface to face medially (lying on back)
3. Pronation: Medial rotation of the limb causing the palmar/plantar surface to face laterally

Question 12

Anterior, Posterior, Superior, and Interior

Answer 12

1. Anterior: Towards the front
2. Posterior: Towards the back
3. Superior: Up
4. Interior: Down