Module 101: Introduction to Anatomical Basis

Vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical positions, anatomical planes, terms of position, terms of number, and joint definitions.

Anterior (ventral)

Infront (near to front).

Posterior (dorsal) (retro)

Behind (near to back).

Superior (upper) (cranial)

Near upper end

Inferior (lower) (caudal)

Near to lower end

Median

In middle line or median plane.

Medial

Near to median plane.

Lateral

Away from median plane.

Proximal

Near to root of limb

Distal

Away from root of limb.

Superficial

Towards skin or surface body.

Deep

Away from skin or surface body.

Internal (inner)

Inside organ or body.

External (outer)

On surface organ or body.

Uni / Mono

One

Bi / Di

Two

Tri

Three

Quadri

Four

Multi / Poly

Many

Oligo

Little

Anatomical erect position

Position where the body is standing erect, eyes looking forwards, upper limbs hanging by sides, palms facing forwards, and thumbs directed laterally.

Supine position

Body lies on its back

Prone position

Body lies on its face

Lateral decubitus position

Body lies on its side (Rt. or Lt.)

Lithotomy position

Body lies on its back, with flexion of hip & knee & abduction of hip joints.

Median (sagittal) plane

Vertical plane passing in middle body dividing it longitudinally into equal right & left halves.

Paramedian plane

Parallel to & nearby median plane.

Coronal (frontal) plane

Plane cutting body vertically, into anterior part towards front & posterior part towards back of body.

Horizontal plane

Transverse plane running horizontally, cutting body into upper (superior) & lower (inferior) parts

Joint

Contacts between 2 or more bones