Directional Terms

Dorsal Cavity

Protects the brain and spinal cord

Cranial Cavity

Portion of the dorsal cavity containing the brain

Vertebral Cavity

Portion of the dorsal cavity associated with the spinal cord

Ventral cavity

Contains most of the body’s organs

Thoracic Cavity

Chest cavity

Abdominopelvic cavity

Contains the abdominal and pelvic cavities

Abdominal Cavity

Contains organs including the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and most intestines.

Pelvic Cavity

Contains the urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum

Medistinum

Space in the thoracic cavity containing the heart, trachea, esophagus, and thymus

Diaphragm

Flat sheet of muscle separating the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities

Pleural Cavity

Small cavity associated with the lungs

Pleura

Serous membrane associate with the lungs

Anatomical position

Standing erect, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward

Coronal/Frontal Plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into right and left portions

Superior

Above

Inferior

Below

Anterior

Toward the front

Ventral

Toward the front

Posterior

Toward the back

Dorsal

Toward the back

Medial

Toward the body’s imaginary midline

Lateral

Toward the side

Bilateral

Paired structures on both sides

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment to the trunk

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment

Deep

More internal

Superficial

More external or closer to the surface

Contralateral

Structures located on opposite sides of the body

Ipsilateral

Structures located on the same side of the body