Directional Terms, Positional Terms, Abdominal Quadrants

Anatomic Position

A person standing, facing foreward, with palms forward. Common refrence position when describing the body.

Midline

The imaginary line that divides the body into equal left and right halves. This line extends through the umbilicus(navel)

Midclavicular

Two lines that run through the center of each clavicle(collarbone) and extend inferiorly.

Proximal

Closer to the torso

Distal

Further from the torso

Medial

Closer to the midline

Lateral

Further from the midline

Bilateral

Both sides

Unilateral

One side

Midaxillary Line

A line that extends inferiorly from the middle of the armpit to the ankle. This line divides the body into front and back halves.

Anterior(Ventral)

Front

Posterior(Dorsal)

Back

Superior

Above / Higher

Inferior

Below / Lower

Palmar

Palm of the hand

Plantar

Sole of the Foot

Supine

Lying on back

Prone

Lying on abdomen

Recovery Position

Lying on side

Fowler/Semi-Fowler Position

Sitting with knees forward and slightly bent, and back leaning at a 45-60 degree angle (30-45 degree for semi-fowler)

Liver

RUQ, LUQ

Stomach

LUQ

Pancreas

LUQ, RUQ

Gallbladder

RUQ

Spleen

LUQ

Colon(Large Intestine)

LUQ, RUQ, LLQ, RLQ

Kidneys

LUQ, RUQ, LLQ, RLQ

Small Intestines

RLQ,LLQ

Uterer

RLQ,LLQ

Bladder

RLQ,LLQ

Appendix

RLQ

Major Arteries and Veins to the legs

RLQ, LLQ

Abdominal Quadrants

Quadrants that divide the abdomen into four by a horizontal and vertical line going through the navel.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior halves

Sagittal(Median) Plane

A plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves

Transverse(Horizontal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior halves.