The Language of Anatomy

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational anatomical terms, directions, and planes based on the introductory lecture.

Anatomical position

The standard anatomical position where a person is standing upright, face looking forward, arms beside the body, palms facing forward, and feet pointing forward.

Superior

Above

Inferior

Below

Anterior

Front

Posterior

Back

Medial

Toward the midline

Lateral

Away from the midline

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment

Superficial

Closer to the surface

Deep

Farther from the surface

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right

Frontal (coronal) plane

Divides the body into front and back

Transverse plane

Divides the body into upper and lower