Planes and Positions

Anatomical Position

The body is upright, directly facing the observer, feet flat and directed forward, upper limbs at the body’s sides with palms facing forward.

Prone Position

The body is lying face down.

Directional Terms

Words used to describe the position of one body relative to another.

Anterior View

At or near the front of the body.

Posterior View

At or near the back of the body.

Midline

The imaginary line that divides the body into right and left halves.

Medial

Nearer to midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Superior View

Situated toward the head or upper region.

Inferior View

Situated near the feet; lower part of the structure.

Deep

Away from the surface of the body.

Superficial

Close to the surface of the body.

Distal

Farther from the origination of a structure.

Proximal

Nearer to the origination of a structure.

Planes

Imaginary flat surfaces that pass through the body.

Frontal (coronal) Plane

Divides the body into front and back portions.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Oblique Plane

Passes through a structure or the entire body at an angle.

Sagittal Plane

Divides a structure or the body vertically into right or left portions.

Midsagittal

Divides the body vertically into equal right and left sides.

Parasagittal

Divides the body vertically into unequal right and left sides.

Oblique

Passes through the body at an angle.