Anatomical Planes and Terms of Movement

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering anatomical planes, directional and positional terms, and joint movement terms from Prof. Shefa Gawish's lecture.

Anatomical planes

Imaginary planes which divide the human body into two parts.

Median plane (Midsagittal plane)

A vertical plane which divides the body into right and left equal halves.

Coronal plane (Frontal plane)

A vertical plane which divides the body into anterior part (in front) and posterior part (behind).

Transverse plane

A horizontal plane which divides the body into upper and lower parts.

Paramedian plane (Parasagittal plane)

A vertical plane which divides the body into right and left portions.

Anterior (ventral)

The structure nearer to the front surface of the body than another structure in the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

The structure nearer to the back surface of the body than another structure in the body.

Palmar surface

The anterior surface term used specifically for the hand.

Dorsal surface (hand)

The posterior surface term used specifically for the hand.

Medial

Describes a structure which lies closer to the median sagittal plane of the body than another structure.

Lateral

Describes a structure which lies far away from the median sagittal plane of the body than another structure.

Median

Describes a structure which lies exactly in the middle line or median (sagittal) plane.

Superior (upper, cephalic, cranial)

The structure being nearer to the head or higher than another structure in the body.

Inferior (lower, caudal)

The structure which lies nearer to the feet or lower than another structure in the body.

Plantar surface

The term used in the foot instead of the inferior surface.

Dorsal surface (foot)

The term used in the foot instead of the superior surface.

Proximal

Describes a structure nearer to the trunk or the point of origin of a part; used for the limbs.

Distal

Describes a structure far to the trunk or the point of origin of a part; used for the limbs.

Superficial

Describes a structure nearer to the surface of the body than another structure.

Deep

Describes a structure farther from the surface of the body than another structure.

Internal

Describes a structure inside an organ or body cavity in relation to the center.

External

Describes a structure outside an organ or body cavity in relation to the center.

Unilateral

When a structure is only found on one side of the body (e.g., spleen).

Bilateral

Paired structures found on both sides of the body (e.g., limbs, lungs, or kidneys).

Ipsilateral

Describes structures on the same side of the body (e.g., left hand and foot).

Contralateral

Describes structures on different sides of the body (e.g., left upper limb and right lower limb).

Supine

Describes the position of the body when it lies on its back with the front of the body and face directed upwards.

Prone

Describes the position of the body when it lies on its front with the back directed upwards (lying on abdomen with face down).

Joint

The place where two or more bones meet, where movements of the human body occur.

Flexion (limb)

Decreasing the angle between two body parts (e.g., bending the elbow).

Extension (limb)

Increasing the angle between two body parts (e.g., straightening the elbow).

Flexion (trunk)

Bending the trunk anteriorly.

Extension (trunk)

Bending the trunk posteriorly.

Lateral flexion

Bending the trunk either to the right or to the left side.

Abduction (limb)

Moving a limb away from the midline of the body (e.g., raising the arm to the side).

Adduction (limb)

Moving a limb toward the midline of the body (e.g., lowering the arm to the side).

Abduction of the fingers

Spreading fingers away from the middle finger.

Adduction of the fingers

Bringing the fingers nearer to the middle finger.

Abduction of the toes

Spreading toes away from the second toe.

Adduction of the toes

Bringing the toes nearer to the second toe.

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward.

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward.

Dorsiflexion

Bending the foot upward at the ankle (standing on your heel).

Plantarflexion

Bending the foot downward at the ankle (standing on your toes).

Circumduction

A circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction (e.g., arm circles).

Rotation

Turning around an axis.

Medial (internal) rotation

Rotating a limb toward the midline of the body.

Lateral (external) rotation

Rotating a limb away from the midline of the body.

Pronation

Rotation of the forearm so that the palm of the hand faces posteriorly (or downwards if the elbow is flexed).

Supination

Rotation of the forearm so that the palm of the hand faces anteriorly (or upwards if the elbow is flexed).

Protraction

Moving a body part forward (e.g., jutting the jaw forward, or protracting the scapula).

Retraction

Moving the body part backward.

Elevation

Lifting a body part upward (e.g., shrugging the shoulders).

Depression

Lowering the body part downward.

Opposition

The movement of the thumb to touch the fingertips, allowing grasping and manipulating objects.