Directional Terms, Body planes, and Abdominal Quadrants and Regions

Anatomical Position Definition

Universal reference used in healthcare to ensure clear, consistent communication

Body posture in Anatomical Position

Standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward, feet slightly apart, toes forward

Anterior

Toward the front of the body

Posterior

Toward the back of the body

Superior

Above or towards the head

Inferior

Below or towards the feet

Medial

Toward the midline of the body

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body

Proximal

Closer to the point of limb attachment

Distal

Farther from the point of limb attachment

Superficial

Near the surface of the body

Deep

toward the inside of the body

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into right and left parts

Transverse Plane

Divides into superior and inferior parts

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

Divides body into anterior and posterior parts

Ipsilateral

Same side

Contralateral

Opposite side

Dextral

Right side

Sinistral

Left side