Anatomy: Planes and Positions

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering basic anatomical positions, directional terms, and body planes as described in the introductory A&P lecture notes.

Anatomical position

A description of any region or part of the body in a specific stance where the body is upright, directly facing the observer, feet flat and directed forward, with upper limbs at the sides and palms facing forward.

Supine position

The position of the body when it is lying face up.

Prone position

The position of the body when it is lying face down.

Directional terms

Words used to describe the position of one body relative to another, often grouped in pairs with opposite meanings or combined for specific meanings.

Anterior

At or near the front of the body.

Posterior

At or near the back of the body.

Lateral

to the side

Medial

Nearer to the midline.

Midline

The imaginary vertical line that divides the body equally into right and left halves.

Superior

the upper part of a structure.

Inferior

the lower part of a structure.

Deep

Away from the surface of the body.

Superficial

Close to the surface of the body.

Distal

Farther from the origination of a structure.

Proximal

Nearer to the origination of a structure.

Planes

Imaginary flat surfaces that pass through parts of the body.

Sections

Cuts along a certain plane used to study parts of the body.

Frontal (coronal) plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse (or horizontal) plane

Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Oblique plane

Passes through a structure or the entire body at an angle.

Sagittal plane

Divides a structure or the body vertically into right and left portions.

Midsagittal

Divides the body vertically into equal right and left sides.

Parasagittal

Divides the body vertically into unequal right and left sides.

Anterosuperior

A combined directional term meaning at the front and upper part of the body.

Posterioinferior

A combined directional term meaning at the back and lower part of the body.