External anatomy

Plane

A surface, real or imaginary, along which any two points can be connected by a

straight line.

median plane

Divides the head, body, or limb longitudinally into equal right and left halves.

sagittal plane

Passes through the head, body, or limb parallel to the median plane.

transverse plane

Cuts across the head, body, or limb at a right angle to its long axis or across the long axis of an organ or a part.

dorsal plane

Runs at right angles to the median and transverse planes and thus divides the body or head into dorsal and ventral portions.

dorsal

towards the back

ventral

towards the belly

medial

towards the median plane

lateral

away from the median plane

distal

Away from the main mass or origin; in the limbs and tail, the free end.

proximal

Relatively near the main mass or origin; in the limbs and tail, the attached end.

caudal

Toward or relatively near the tail

cranial

Toward or relatively near the head; on the limbs it applies proximal to the carpus and tarsus. In reference to the head, it is replaced by

flexion

angle is reduced

extension

angle is increased

supination

lateral rotation of appendage, palmar/plantar faces medially

pronation

medial rotation of the appendage so that the palmar/plantar surface faces substrate

coxofemoral

hip joint

femoral region

thigh

crus

leg

tarsus

hock

pes

hindpaw

manus

forepaw

brachium

brachial

carpus

carpal joint