Anatomy & Physiology Body Positions & Directions – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
midsagittal
answer
The midline plane dividing the body into left and right halves.
question
sagittal
answer
Plane dividing body into unequeal left and right parts and parallel to the median plane. Terms medial and lateral relate. The midsagittal is the meidline plane.
question
coronal, frontal
answer
Divides body into front and back parts. Terms anterior and posterior relate to this plane.
question
transverse, cross horizontal
answer
Horizontal plane that divides the body into upper (cranial or superior) and lower (caudal or inferior) parts. Cross sections are perpendicular to the long axis of the body or structure and may not be horizontal.
question
cranial, superior
answer
Towards the head or above.
question
caudal
answer
Toward the tail.
question
anterior, ventral
answer
"Front" or "in front of."
question
posterior, dorsal
answer
"Back" or "in back of."
question
medial
answer
Toward the midline of the body.
question
lateral
answer
Toward side of body or away from midline.
question
proximal
answer
Toward an attached base (only used in reference to limbs).
question
superficial
answer
At, near, or relatively close to the body surface.
question
distal
answer
Farther from body surface.
question
supine
answer
Body is lying face up.
question
prone
answer
Body is lying face down.
question
axial
answer
One of two major body subdivisions. Includes the head, neck, and torso (trunk).
question
appendicular
answer
One of two major body subdivisions. Includes the upper and lower extremities.
question
peripheral
answer
Towards the outside (lateral) of the body.
question
oblique
answer
Term used to describe a diagonal cut.
question
anatomical
answer
Position with body face up with palms up and feet up.
question
inferior
answer
situated below, or directed downward.
question
extension
answer
straightening motion that increases the angle between adjoining bones
question
adduction
answer
movement toward the midline
question
ventral
answer
pertaining to the belly
question
plantar
answer
referring to the sole of the foot
question
flexion
answer
bending motion that decreases the angle between joining bones
question
thoracic
answer
the lungs found in that cavity
