Anatomical Terminology: Directional Terms & Body Planes

Vocabulary flashcards covering common anatomical directional terms and body planes for efficient exam review.

Anterior (ventral)

Nearer the front of the body

Posterior (dorsal)

Nearer the back of the body

Superior (cranial)

Upward or nearer the head

Inferior (caudal)

Downward or nearer the feet

Medial

Toward the midline or median plane

Lateral

Farther from the midline or median plane

Proximal

Near a reference point (usually the trunk or point of origin)

Distal

Away from a reference point (usually the trunk or point of origin)

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body

Median (midsagittal) plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves

Sagittal plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into unequal right and left portions

Frontal (coronal) plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts

Transverse (horizontal) plane

Plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts; produces cross-sections

Median Plane

Divides body into equal left?right halves

Midsagittal Plane

Median Plane

Sagittal Plane

Divides body into unequal right and left halves

Frontal (coronal) plane

Divides body into unequal anterior and posterior parts

Transverse plane

Divides body into equal or unequal superior and inferior parts (cross sections)

Flexion

Bending a joint

Abduction/Adduction(dd is in)

In relation to midline

Internal and external rotation

Rotation in relation to midline