Fundamentals Pt. 2

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part of a structure.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Cephalad

Toward the head.

Palmar

Relating to the palm of the hand.

Plantar

Relating to the sole of the foot.

Recumbent Position

Lying down in any position.

Supine Position

Lying on the back, face up.

Prone Position

Lying on the abdomen, face down.

Erect/Upright Position

Standing or sitting upright.

Trendelenburg Position

Patient lies supine with the head lower than the feet.

Radiographic Body Position

Placement of the body in relation to the image receptor during imaging.

Anterior Position

Front surface closest to the image receptor.

Posterior Position

Back surface closest to the image receptor.

Lordotic Position

Patient leans backward to project structures away from superimposition.

Lateral Position

Side of the body closest to the image receptor.

Right Lateral Position

Right side against the image receptor.

Left Lateral Position

Left side against the image receptor.