Anatomical Directional, Regional, Body Plans and Cavities, and Organ Systems

Superior

Above

Inferior

Below

Anterior

In Front

Posterior

Behind

Medial

Towards the midline

Lateral

Away from the midline (to the side)

Proximal

Closer to the trunk (applies to a limb)

Distal

Further from the trunk (applies to a limb)

Superficial

Towards the surface

Deep

Away from the surface; internal

Cephalic

on the head

Frontal

forehead

Orbital

Eye

Orbital

eye

Oral

mouth

Buccal

cheek

Mental

Chin

Otic

ear

Occipital

back of the head

Cervical

neck

Thoracic

chest

Axillary

armpit

Abdominal

Belly

Pelvic

space between the hips

Pubic

genital

Brachial

upper arm

Antebrachial

forearm

Carpal

wrist

Digital

fingers and toes

Dorsal

entire back

Vertebral

back bone

Lumbar

lower back

Sacral

at the top of the gluteal cleft

Gluteal

on the butt

Coxal

hip

Femoral

thigh

Patellar

knee

Crural

Shin (knee to calf)

Pedal

foot

Tarsal

ankle

Sagittal

divides the body into left and right sides

Frontal Plane (coronal plane)

divides the body into anterior and postier portions

Transverse Plan

divides the body into superior and inferior portions

Cranial

brain

Vertebral

spinal cord

Thoracic

esophagus, heart, lungs, and trachea

Abdominal

gallbladder, large intestine, liver, small intestine, spleen, stomach

Pelvic

internal reproductive organs, urinary bladder, some large intestine

Integumentary System

physical barrier that protects the body, sense stimuli, regulates body temperature, and produces vitamin D

Skeletal System

body support and structure; allows movement; makes blood cells; protects organs; stores minerals such as calcium

Muscular System

causes movements by contracting and relaxing

Nervous System

carries electrical signals throughout the body to control thoughts and responses

Endocrine System

makes hormones to regulate a wide variety of bodily functions

Cardiovascular System

transportation of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body

Respiratory System

exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the atmosphere

Immune/Lymphatic System

prevents and minimizes infection of the body

returns excess fluid in the tissues back into the bloodstream

Digestive System

breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste

Urinary System

filters blood and removes waste by producing and excreting urine

Reproductive System

produces and sustains sperm and egg cells, enables fertilization, and supports developing offspring