ZOOLOGY

Toward the head or upper part of the body. Example: The head is ___ to the chest.

Superior (Cranial)

Away from the head or toward the lower part. Example: The stomach is ___ to the heart.

Inferior (Caudal)

Toward the front of the body. Example: The sternum is ___ to the spine.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the back of the body. Example: The spine is ___ to the lungs.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the midline of the body. Example: The nose is ___ to the eyes.

Medial

Away from the midline. Example: The arms are ___ to the chest.

Lateral

Closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment. Example: The elbow is ___ to the wrist.

Proximal

Farther from the origin or attachment point. Example: The fingers are ___ to the elbow.

Distal

Toward or at the surface of the body. Example: The skin is ___ to the muscles.

Superficial (External)

Away from the surface, more internal. Example: The heart is ___ to the ribs.

Deep (Internal)

Divides the body into left and right parts.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Midsagittal Plane

Divides the body into unequal left and right parts.

Parasagittal Plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

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

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Runs from front to back; allows abduction and adduction (side-to-side movements). Example: Jumping jacks.

Sagittal Axis

Runs from side to side; allows flexion and extension (forward and backward movements). Example: Squats.

Frontal Axis

Runs from top to bottom; allows rotational movements. Example: Spinning in dance or twisting in basketball.

Vertical (Longitudinal) Axis