Terminology Related to Planes & Anatomical Terms

Flashcards covering anatomical directional terms, body planes, and relative positions of organs and bones.

Superior

Defined as "above" in anatomical orientation.

Inferior

Defined as "below" in anatomical orientation.

Anterior

Defined as "to the front" in anatomical orientation.

Posterior

Defined as "to the back" in anatomical orientation.

Proximal

Defined as "closer to" a point of reference or attachment.

Distal

Defined as "away from" a point of reference or attachment.

Medial

Pertaining to the middle or midline of the body.

Lateral

Pertaining to the side, away from the midline.

Sagittal

A plane that cuts the body into left and right parts.

Frontal

A plane that divides the body into front and back.

Transverse

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

Heart in relation to the liver

The heart is superior to the liver.

Humerus (upper arm) in relation to the radius

The humerus is proximal to the radius.

Lungs in relation to the heart

The lungs are lateral to the heart.

Sternum (breastbone) in relation to the heart

The sternum is anterior to the heart.

Stomach in relation to the lungs

The stomach is inferior to the lungs.

Ulna in relation to the radius

The ulna is medial to the radius.

Esophagus in relation to the tranchea

The esophagus is posterior to the tranchea.

Phalanges in relation to the carpals

The phalanges are distal to the carpals.

Cranial cavity

The body cavity that contains the brain.

Thoracic cavity

The body cavity located in the chest area.

Abdominal cavity

The body cavity located between the thoracic and pelvic cavities.

Pelvic cavity

The body cavity located below the abdominal cavity.