Anatomical Terms, Body Planes and Regions

Front

What does 'proximal' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Proximal refers to a position that is closer to the point of attachment or to the trunk of the body.

Front

What does 'distal' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Distal refers to a position that is farther away from the point of attachment or from the trunk of the body.

Front

What does 'anterior' mean?

Back

Anterior means situated at the front of the body.

Front

What does 'posterior' mean?

Back

Posterior means situated at the back of the body.

Front

What does 'superior' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Superior refers to a position that is above or higher than another part of the body.

Front

What does 'inferior' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Inferior refers to a position that is below or lower than another part of the body.

Front

What does 'medial' mean?

Back

Medial refers to a position that is closer to the midline of the body.

Front

What does 'lateral' mean?

Back

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

Front

What are the three main body planes?

Back

The three main body planes are the sagittal plane, frontal (coronal) plane, and transverse (horizontal) plane.

Front

What is the sagittal plane?

Back

The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right parts.