Review: Directional Anatomy & Planes

Vocabulary flashcards for directional anatomy terms and body planes based on the provided notes.

Superior

Toward the head; above another structure (e.g., the forehead is superior to the nose).

Posterior

Toward the back; behind another structure (e.g., the heart is posterior to the sternum).

Medial

Toward the midline of the body (e.g., the mouth is medial to the ears).

Appendage

A part extending from the main structure; e.g., the arms are appendages to the skeleton.

Distal

Away from the point of origin or trunk; e.g., the knee is distal to the thigh.

Superficial

Toward or on the body's surface; e.g., the skin is superficial to the skeleton.

Proximal

Near the point of origin or trunk; e.g., the knee is proximal to the ankle.

Midsagittal plane

The sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal plane

A plane that divides the body into left and right portions (not necessarily equal).

Transverse plane

A plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Coronal (Frontal) plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.