Basic Anatomy Terms - Medical Terminology

Front

Abdominal cavity

Back

The part of the body that contains the digestive organs, located between the diaphragm and the pelvis.

Front

Proximal

Back

A term used to describe a position that is closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

Front

Umbilical area

Back

The region located on the ventral side of the abdomen, commonly referred to as the navel area.

Front

Thoracic cavity

Back

The chamber of the body that houses the lungs and heart, located above the abdominal cavity.

Front

Occipital

Back

Refers to the base of the skull, located at the back of the head.

Front

Ventral cavity

Back

The front (anterior) body cavity that includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Front

Pelvic cavity

Back

The space within the pelvis that contains the reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum.

Front

Dorsal

Back

Refers to the back side of the body.

Front

Distal

Back

A term used to describe a position that is farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

Front

Cranium

Back

The part of the skull that encloses the brain.