Body planes

Transverse plane

Horizontal plane that divides the body into a top half and bottom half.

Midsagittal plane

Divides the body into right and left sides.

Frontal plane

Divides the body into a front section and a back section

Distal

Body parts distant to the point of reference.

Proximal

Body parts close to the point of reference.

Body planes

Imaginary lines drawn through the body at various parts to separate the body into sections.

Ventral cavities

Larger than the dorsal cavity. Has two distinct cavities separated by the diaphragm.

Dorsal cavity

One long, continuous cavity located on the back of the body.

Cranial cavity

Contains the brain.

Spinal cavity

Contains the spinal cord

Body cavities

Spaces within the body that contain vital organs.

Superior

Body parts that are above other body parts.

Inferior

Body parts that are below other body parts.

Cranial

Body parts located near the head.

Caudal

Body parts located near the sacral region.

Medial

Body parts close to the midline.

Lateral

Body parts located away from the midline.

Thoracic cavity

Located in the chest and contains the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lungs, heart, and large blood vessels.

Abdominal cavity

Divided into an upper part and a lower part. Contains the stomach, small intestine, most of the large intestine, appendix, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.

Pelvic cavity

Lower abdominal cavity. Contains the urinary bladder, the reproductive organs, and the last part of the large intestine.

Orbital cavity

Cavity for the eyes.

Nasal cavity

Cavity for the nose structures.

Buccal cavity

Cavity for the teeth and tongue.

Ventral or anterior

Body parts in front of the body.

Dorsal or posterior

Body parts on the back of the body.

Abdominal regions

RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ,

Epigastric

Above the stomach

Umbilical

Near the umbilicus or belly button

Hypogastric or pelvic

Below the stomach

Hypochondriac

Below the ribs

Iliac or inguinal

Near the groin