Planes & Directional Terminology

Front

What does 'medial' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position closer to the midline of the body.

Front

What does 'lateral' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position farther from the midline of the body.

Front

What does 'ventral' mean?

Back

Refers to the front or belly side of the body.

Front

What does 'dorsal' mean?

Back

Refers to the back side of the body.

Front

What is the 'sagittal' plane?

Back

An anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right parts.

Front

What is the 'median' plane?

Back

A specific sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Front

What does 'anterior' mean?

Back

Refers to a position towards the front of the body.

Front

What does 'posterior' mean?

Back

Refers to a position towards the back of the body.

Front

What does 'superior' mean?

Back

Refers to a position above or higher than another part of the body.

Front

What does 'inferior' mean?

Back

Refers to a position below or lower than another part of the body.