Body planes

Pg. 37

Anatomic Position

Standing erect, arms at side with eyes and palms facing forward.

Supine

Patient is lying horizontal on the back, face up.

Prone

Patient is lying face down, palms facing down.

Body Planes

Flat surfaces resulting from a real or imaginary cut through the body.

Sagittal Section

A vertical line that separates the body into right and left.

Midsagittal

Separates the body into equal right and left parts.

Frontal (Coronal) Section

A vertical line that separates the body into front (anterior/ventral) and back (posterior/dorsal).

Transverse Section

A horizontal line that separates the body into top (superior) and bottom (inferior).

Proximal

Close to the point of attachment; e.g., the elbow is proximal to the wrist.

Distal

Away from the point of attachment; e.g., the fingers are distal to the wrist.

Dorsal Cavity

Located on the dorsal/posterior side of the body, includes cranial and spinal cavities.

Cranial Cavity

Contains the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Spinal Cavity

Contains the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Thoracic Cavity

Located on the ventral/anterior side of the body, contains lungs and heart.

Abdominal Cavity

Located on the ventral/anterior side of the body, contains visceral organs.

Diaphragm

Muscle that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Visceral Organs

Organs located in the abdominal cavity, including stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and gall bladder.

Pelvic Cavity

Located on the ventral/anterior side of the body, contains reproductive organs and urinary bladder; no distinct separation from the abdominal cavity.