Terms of Relative Position and Body Planes Definition

For Quiz on 8.26.25

Superior or Cranial

Toward the head end of the body: upper (ex:hand)

Inferior or Caudal

Away from the head: lower (ex: foot)

Anterior or Ventral

Front (ex: kneecap)

Posterior or dorsal

Back (ex: shoulder blades)

Medial

Toward the midline of the body (ex: middle toe)

Lateral

Away form the midline of the body (ex: little toe)

Proximal

Toward or nearest the trunk or the point of origin of a part (ex: the end of the femur joins with the pelvic bone)

Distal

Away from or farthest from the trunk or origin of a part (ex: the hand at the end of the forearm)

Superficial

More towards the surface of the body

Deep

More towards the interior of the body

Coronal Plane / Frontal Plane

Vertical plane running form side to side; divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions

Sagittal Plane / Lateral Plane

Vertical Plane running from front to back; divides the body or any of its parts into left and right sides

Transverse Plane

Horizontal plane, divides body / parts into upper and lower partsM

Midsagital Plane

Goes through the midline; divides body / parts into left and right halves