Anatomical and Directional Terminology in Veterinary Medicine

Flashcards to help understand anatomical and directional terminology important for veterinary medicine.

Ventral

Towards the belly.

Dorsal

Towards the spine.

Cranial

Towards the head.

Caudal

Towards the tail.

Proximal

Towards the center or beginning.

Distal

Away from the center or beginning.

Medial

Towards the midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Anterior

Towards the cranium (specific to quadrupeds).

Posterior

Towards the tail (specific to quadrupeds).

Rostral

Towards the tip of the nose.

Superficial

Towards the surface.

Deep

Towards the center.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into cranial and caudal sections.

Dorsal Plane

Divides the body into dorsal and ventral sections.

Median Plane

Divides the body down the midline into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into unequal left and right halves.

Flexion

Bending of a joint.

Extension

Straightening of a joint.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline.

Adduction

Movement towards the midline.