Medical Positions & Planes

Medial

Closest to the midline

Lateral

Farthest from the midline

Proximal

Closest to the point of attachment/trunk

Distal

farthest from the point of attachment

Inferior

Closest to the feet

Superior

Closest to the head

Posterior (dorsal)

The back surface of the body

Anterior (Ventral)

The front surface of the body; The side facing you in the standard anatomic position

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

Runs vertically though the body & divides it into front and back sections

Sagittal (lateral) Plane

Runs vertically, but divides the body into left & right sections. These sections DO NOT need to be equal.

Midsagittal (Midline) Plane

Divides the body into EQUAL left and right haves

Transverse (axial) Plane

divides the body horizontally into top and bottom sections.