body planes and body directions

The anatomical position

Vertical Plane

Is a up and down plane that is at a right angle to the horizon.

Sagittal Plane

Is a vertical plane that divides the body into unequal left and right portions

The Midsagittal Plane

Also known as the *midline *, is the Sagittal Plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Is a vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions

The Horizontal Plane

Is a flat crosswise plane, such as the horizon

Transverse Plane

Horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions

Ventral

Refers to the front or belly side (opposite of dorsal)

Dorsal

Refers to the back of the organ or body (opposite of ventral)

Anterior

Means situated in the front, also means front or forward part of an organ (opposite of posterior)

Posterior

Means situated in the back, also means on the back part of an organ (opposite of anterior)

Superior

Means uppermost , above , or towards the head (opposite of inferior)

Cephalic

Means towards the head (opposite of caudal)

Caudal

Means towards the lower part of the body (opposite of cephalic)

Proximal

Means situated nearest midline or beginning body structure (opposite of distal)

Distal

Means situated farthest from the midline or beginning body structure (opposite of proximal)

Medial

Means the direction toward or near the midline (opposite of lateral)

Lateral

Means the direction toward or near the side of the body away from the midline (opposite of medial)

Bilateral

Means relating to or having two sides

Dorsal Cavity

Located along the back of the body and head

The Cranial Cavity

Located within the skull and protects the brain

The Spinal Cavity

Located within the spinal column surrounds and protects spinal cord

Ventral Cavity

Located along the front of the body contains organs that sustain *homeostasis *

The Thoracic Cavity

Also known as chest or thorax surrounds and protects the heart and lungs

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities

Abdominal Cavity

Contains the major organs for digestion (abdomen)

Pelvic Cavity

The space formed by the hip bones and contains the reproductive organs and excretory systems