TERMINOLOGY ANATOMY

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY

DIRECTIONAL TERMS

• Superior or cranial : toward the head end of the body; upper

• Inferior or caudal : away from the head; lower

• Anterior or ventral : front

• Posterior or dorsal : back

• Medial : toward the midline of the body

• Lateral : away from the midline of the body

• Proximal : toward or nearest the trunk or the point of origin of a part 

Planes of the Body

• Coronal Plane (Frontal Plane) : divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions.

• Sagittal Plane (Lateral Plane) : A vertical plane running from front to back; divides the body or any of its parts into right and left sides.

• Axial Plane (Transverse Plane) : A horizontal plane; divides the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts.

• Median plane : Sagittal plane through the midline of the body; divides the body or any of its parts into right and left halves.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Multiple Choice

which of the following statement is true about superior directional term?

• away from the head

• toward the midline of the body

• toward the head end of the body

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statement is true about lateral directional term?

• toward the midline of the body

• away from the midline of the body

• away from the head

Multiple Choice

which of the following statement is true about medial directional term?

• toward the midline of the body

• away from the midline of the body

• away from the head

Multiple Choice

what is a median plane?

• divides the body or any of its parts into right and left halves

• divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions

• divides the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts

Multiple Choice

what is a coronal plane?

• divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions.

• divides the body or any of its parts into right and left sides.

• divides the body or any of its parts into right and left halves