Human Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to standard anatomical position, body planes, and terms of direction in human anatomy.

Standard Anatomical Position

A position where a person stands upright with feet hip-width apart, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body vertically into right and left sections, running parallel to the midline.

Coronal Plane

Divides the body vertically into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections, at right angles to the midline.

Transverse Plane

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

Medial

Refers to structures that are nearer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Refers to structures that are further away from the midline, located at the sides.

Proximal

Refers to structures that are closer to the center of the body.

Distal

Refers to structures that are further away from the center of the body.

Anterior

Refers to structures that are located in front.

Posterior

Refers to structures that are located behind.