Anatomical Planes & Directions

Front

What is the dorsal cavity?

Back

The dorsal cavity is a body cavity that houses the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

Front

Name the two main divisions of the dorsal cavity.

Back

The two main divisions of the dorsal cavity are the cranial cavity (which contains the brain) and the spinal cavity (which contains the spinal cord).

Front

What is the ventral cavity?

Back

The ventral cavity is a body cavity located at the front of the body, containing organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive organs.

Front

What does 'ventral' refer to in anatomical terms?

Back

'Ventral' refers to the front or belly side of the body.

Front

What does 'dorsal' refer to in anatomical terms?

Back

'Dorsal' refers to the back side of the body.

Front

What is the anatomical position?

Back

The anatomical position is a standard position of the body used as a reference point, where the body is standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Front

What is the difference between 'superior' and 'inferior'?

Back

'Superior' means above or higher in position, while 'inferior' means below or lower in position.

Front

What does 'medial' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

'Medial' refers to a position closer to the midline of the body.

Front

What does 'lateral' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

'Lateral' refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body.

Front

What is the thoracic cavity?

Back

The thoracic cavity is the chamber of the body that houses the heart and lungs, located above the diaphragm.