Chapter 1 - Directional Terms

Superior

Above/over

Inferior

Below/under

Anterior

In front/front

Posterior

Behind/toward the rear

Lateral

Pertaining to the side

Medial

Pertaining to the middle (away from the side)

Proximal

Closer to the origin

Distal

Further from the origin

Superficial

Near the surface

Deep

Below the surface

Ventral

Toward the belly/anterior

Dorsal

Toward the back/posterior

Cephalic (cranial or cephalad)

Closer to the head

Caudal (caudad)

Closer to the feet

Unilateral

One side

Bilateral

Two to both sides

Contralateral

Opposite side

Palatial

Same side

Supine

Lying on the back

Prone

Lying on the stomach

Flexion

In the sagittal plane and on the frontal axis) and when two anterior surfaces get closer (except the knee and ankles).

Extension

Occurring within the sagittal plane and on the frontal axis. It involves moving the anterior surfaces way from each other. Exceptions are the knee (posterior surfaces).

Hyperextension

Extensions beyond the normal range of motion (ROM).

Abduction

Away from the midline

Adduction

Toward the midline

Horizontal abduction and addiction (of the arm)

Looks like counting for a backcourt (the arm is extending at 90 degrees)

Radial deviation

Thumb to forearm

Ulnar deviation

Pinky to forearm

Trunk lateral flexion

Heavy water bucket stretch

Opposition

Thumb to pinky

Reposition

Thumb back to anatomical position

Inversion

Sole of foot inward

Eversion

Sole of foot outward

Circumduction

Baseball arm circle stretch

Supination

Palm up

Pronation

Palm down

Protraction

Pulling scapula laterally (outward)

Retraction

Pulling scapulas medially (as if trying to touch them)

Scapular elevation

Lifting scapulas upward

Scapular depression

Pulling scapulas downward

Range of motion (ROM)

The amount a joint can move in any possible direction

Epiphysis

• At the end of each long bone

• Wider than the shaft

• Adults - osseous

• Child or adolescent - cartilaginous materials called the (blank)

Diaphysis

• Main shaft of the bone

• Made mostly of compact bone

• In the center is the medullary cavity (contains marrow)

• Endosteum lines the medically cavity and contains osteoclasts

Metaphysis

The transition from diaphysis to epiphysis

Periosteum

• Thin fibrous membrane covering all bones (except articular surfaces which have hyaline cartilage)

• Contains nerves and blood vessels

• Serves as an attachment point for tendons and ligaments

Epiphyseal plate

• Also known as a growth plate

• Adults don’t have it

• Can be damaged by traction or injury