Terminology

Median plane

Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into unequal left and right portions.

Transverse plane

Cuts perpendicular to the median plane, dividing the body into cranial and caudal parts.

Dorsal plane

Cuts perpendicular to both median and transverse planes, dividing body into dorsal and ventral portions.

Longitudinal plane

Cuts parallel to the long axis of an organ or limb.

Dorsal (as a descriptive term)

Away from the ground, applies to the upper or front surfaces of limbs.

Ventral (as a descriptive term)

Towards the ground; also known as anterior.

Cranial (as a descriptive term)

Towards the head; also known as superior.

Caudal (as a descriptive term)

Towards the tail; also known as inferior.

Rostral

Closer to the nose on the head.

Palmar

The surface directed caudally from the proximal carpus.

Plantar

The surface directed caudally from the proximal tarsus.

Medial

Towards the median plane.

Lateral

Farther from the median plane.

Proximal

Nearest the trunk or point of origin.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of origin.

Superficial

Nearer the surface.

Deep

Farther from the surface.

Peripheral

Distant from its point of origin, near the surface.

Axis

The center line of the body or any of its parts.

Axial

Pertaining to the digits, the side closer to the longitudinal axis.

Abaxial

Pertaining to the digits, the side facing away from the longitudinal axis.

Visceral

Associated with organs within body cavities.

Parietal

Associated with the body wall.

Ipsilateral

Same side of the body as another structure.

Contralateral

Opposite side of the body as another structure.

Supra-

Prefix signifying above or over.

Infra-

Prefix signifying below or beneath.

Protraction

Moving the whole limb forward (cranially).

Retraction

Moving the whole limb backwards (caudally).

Extension

Movement resulting in an increased angle at a joint.

Flexion

Movement resulting in a decreased angle at a joint.

Pronation

Medial rotation of the forearm resulting in palmar surface facing down.

Supination

Lateral rotation of the forearm resulting in palmar surface facing up.

Abduction

Movement of a part away from the median plane.

Adduction

Movement of a part towards the median plane.

cd.

Caudal (or caud.).

a.

Artery.

cr.

Cranial (or cran.).

v.

Vein.

ext.

External.

m.

Muscle.

int.

Internal.

n.

Nerve.

ln.

Lymph node.