Anatomical Directional Terms, Regions, and Patient Positions

A set of 20 vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical directions, body regions, and patient positioning based on the lecture notes.

Medial

Towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

Towards the side of the body.

Superficial

Located near the surface of the body.

Deep

Located near the core of the body.

Torso

The overall trunk of the body, comprised of the thorax at the top and the abdomen at the bottom.

Thorax

The top portion of the torso consisting of the chest made up of the rib cage.

Abdomen

The bottom portion of the torso.

Intercostal space

The area located in between two ribs.

Abdominal quadrants

The four divisions of the abdomen (right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower) created by an imaginary plus sign centered over the navel.

Head

The overall structure divided into the cranium (cranial bones) and the face (facial bones).

Palmar surface

The surface area referring to the palms of the hands.

Plantar surface

The surface area referring to the soles of the feet.

Supine

The position in which a patient is lying flat on their back.

Prone

The position in which a patient is lying face down.

Recumbent

A term used to describe a patient who is lying on their side (either left lateral or right lateral).

Recovery position

A position where a patient is placed on their side with their knees bent to serve as a kickstand.

Fowler's position

A patient position in which the back of the gurney is elevated to about a 45-degree angle.

High Fowler's position

A patient position where the patient is sitting up as high as the gurney will go.

Shock position

A position where the patient is supine with their feet elevated 12 inches.

Trendelenburg position

A position where the patient's entire body is inclined with the feet elevated above the head.