Anatomy Colouring Book

Median plane

The midline longitudinal plane dividing the head and torso into right and left halves. (Coloured red)

What is characteristic of the median plane?

The presence of the sectioned midline of the vertebral column and spinal cord.

What is the mid-sagittal plane?

The median

Sagittal plane

A longitudinal plane dividing the head and torso into left and right parts (not halves). It is parallel to the median plane. (Coloured purple)

Coronal/ frontal plane

A longitudinal plane dividing the body or its parts into front and back halves of parts. (Coloured green)

Transverse plane

Divides the body into upper and lower halves or parts (cross sections). It is perpendicular to the longitudinal planes. (Coloured blue)

Cranial, superior, rostral

These terms refer to a structure being closer to the head or higher than another structure of the body. These terms are not used with respect to the limbs. (Pink arrow A)

Anterior, ventral

These terms refer to a structure being more in front than another structure in the body. The term anterior is preferred. (Teal arrow B)

Posterior, dorsal

These terms refer to a structure being more in back than another structure in the body. The term posterior is preferred. (Brown arrow C)

Medial

A structure that is closer to the median plane than another structure in the body. (Orange arrow D)

Lateral

A structure that is further away from the median plane than another structure in the body. (Yellow arrow E)

Proximal

Only in reference to the limbs. A structure being closer to the median plane or root of the limb than another structure in the limb. (Magenta arrow F)

Distal

In reference to the limbs. A structure being further away from the medial plane or root of the limb than another structure in the limb. (Dark green arrow G)

Caudal, inferior

A structure being closer to the feet or lower part of the body than another structure in the body. Not used for limbs. (Blue arrow H)

Superficial

A structure closer to the surface of the body. (Gold arrow I)

Deep

A structure further away from the surface of the body. (Metallic blue arrow J)

Ipsilateral

On the same side as the reference point. (Red arrow K)

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the reference point. (Purple arrow L)