Anatomical Terms and Positions

Anatomical Position

Standing erect, facing forward, upper limbs at the sides, palms facing forward and thumbs out.

Anterior position

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body.

Superior position

Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper.

Inferior position

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail.

Proximal

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Distal

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Lateral position

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body.

Medial position

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body.

Sagittal Plane

It runs vertically through the body and cuts it into right and left parts. (not equal parts)

Midsagittal Plane

If the plane divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Transverse Plane

A plane that runs parallel to the surface of the ground and divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Frontal Plane

A plane that runs vertically from right to left and divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Cranial

Towards the Head

Caudal

Towards the tail

Ventral position

Belly side

Dorsal position

Back

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body (skin)

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body

Adduction

Movement of a limb toward the midline.

Circumduction

Combination of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction; common in ball-and-socket joints.

Dorsiflexion

Lifting the foot so that the top (superior surface) moves toward the shin.

Plantar Flexion

Depressing the foot, pointing the toes downward.

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot medially (inward).

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot laterally (outward).

Supination

Forearm rotates laterally; palm faces anteriorly (upward).

Pronation

Forearm rotates medially; palm faces posteriorly (downward).