Anatomical Directions, Planes, & Abdominal Regions

Anterior

situated at or toward the front of the body

Superior

Closer to the top of the head; upper

Ventral

Belly side

Distal

Away from the point of origin or reference point

Dorsal

Pertaining to the back of the body

Inferior

Closer to the soles of the feet or tail end; lower

Lateral

Away from the midline or near the side of the body

Medial

Near or close to the midline

Posterior

Situated behind or towards the back (tail end) of the body

Proximal

Near the point of origin or reference point

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into equal left & right sides

Axial/Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections

Coronal Plane

Divides the body into front & back sections