BIO anatomical orientation & body planes

anatomical position

A standard position of the body used as a reference point in anatomy, where the individual stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

superior

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

inferior

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

anterior

refers to a position toward the front of the body.

posterior

refers to a position toward the back of the body.

medial

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

lateral

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

proximal

refers to a position closer to the point of attachment or origin of a limb or structure.

distal

refers to a position farther from the point of attachment or origin of a limb or structure.

deep

refers to a position further away from the surface of the body or an organ.

superficial

refers to a position closer to the surface of the body or an organ.

sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

midsagittal plane

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

frontal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

transverse plane

plane A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.