Anatomical Terminology and Movement Principles

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the introduction to anatomical terminology, body positions, body relations, cardinal planes, and axes of movement.

Anatomical Terminology

A form of scientific language used by health professionals worldwide to allow accurate and precise descriptions, assessments, procedures, and treatments.

Axial Skeleton

The structural segment of the body composed of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Skeleton

The structural segment of the body composed of the upper and lower extremities (limbs).

Posterior Surface

The anatomical surface referring to the back of the body.

Anterior Surface

The anatomical surface referring to the front of the body.

Medial

Refers to a surface or structure facing towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

Refers to a surface or structure facing away from the midline of the body.

Cephalad

Refers to a surface or structure facing up towards the head; also known as superior.

Chordad

Refers to a surface or structure facing down towards the ground; also known as inferior.

Palmar

A surface term specific to the hand, referring to the palm of the hand.

Dorsal Surface

The anatomical surface referring to either the back of the hand or the top of the foot.

Plantar

A surface term specific to the foot, referring to the sole of the foot.

Anatomical Starting Position

The universal reference position where the body stands upright facing forwards, legs together, feet parallel, toes pointing forwards, arms hanging loosely at sides, and palms facing forward with the thumb laterally and little finger medially.

Superficial

A body relation term meaning nearer to the surface of the body or skin.

Deep

A body relation term meaning further away from the surface of the body or skin.

Proximal

A body relation term referring to a position closer towards the axial skeleton.

Distal

A body relation term referring to a position further away from the axial skeleton.

Cardinal Planes

Three perpendicular imaginary planes passing through the body used to analyze structural relationships and movement.

Sagittal Plane

Also known as the median plane; an imaginary plane that divides the body into left and right halves.

Coronal Plane

Also known as the frontal plane; an imaginary plane that divides the body into front and back halves.

Transverse Plane

Also known as the horizontal plane; an imaginary plane that cuts the body into top and bottom halves.

Sagittal Axis

The axis of movement running perpendicular to the coronal (frontal) plane.

Transverse Axis

The axis of movement running perpendicular to the sagittal plane.

Vertical Axis

Also known as the longitudinal axis; the axis of movement running perpendicular to the transverse plane.