Anatomy planes + axes of movement

Anterior

Toward or in the front of the body

Ex: pectorals

Posterior

Towards or on the back of the body

Ex: rhomboids

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure

Ex: humerus is superior to the radius

Inferior

Toward the lower part of a structure

Ex: tibia is inferior to femur

Medial

Toward or at the middle of the body

Ex: adductor is medial to the abductors

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body

Ex: abductors are on the lateral side of leg

Proximal

Closer to the origin of a point of reference

Ex: the foot is distal to the knee

Proximal

Closer to the origin of a point of reference

Ex: elbow is proximal to the wrist

Distal

Further from origin or point of reference

Ex: foot is distal to the knee

Planes and Axes

Movement at a joint takes place in a plane about an axis

sagital plane

Vertically divides body (right and left)

Frontal plane

Vertically divides body (anterior and posterior)

Transverse plane

Horizontally divides body (superior and inferior)

Sagittal axis

abduction and adduction

Side flexion

Inversion/eversion

Ex: lateral arm raise, side bending

Frontal axis

Flexion/extension

Ex: walking, squatting, overhead press

Vertical axis

Internal and external rotation

Horizontal flexion and extension

Supination and pronation

Ex: throw, baseball or golf swing