Anatomical Positions and Planes

Flashcards for Anatomical Positions and Movement

Anatomical Planes

Imaginary flat surfaces that pass through the body.

Coronal or Frontal Plane

Divides the body into front and back sections.

Medial or Median Plane

Divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into unequal right and left sides.

Transverse or Horizontal Plane

Divides the body into upper and lower sections.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Lateral

Toward the side.

Central

Toward the center.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Cranial (Superior)

Toward the head.

Caudal (Inferior)

Toward the tail or feet.

Proximal

Nearer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Cephalic

Pertaining to the head.

Plantar

Pertaining to the sole of the foot.

Palmar

Pertaining to the palm of the hand.

Flexion

Bending a joint or decreasing the angle between two bones.

Extension

Straightening a joint or increasing the angle between two bones.

Supination

Turning the palm upward.

Pronation

Turning the palm downward.

Anatomical Position

Erect position with arms and hands turned forward.

Recovery Position

Position to minimize movement until normal body functions can be restored.

Prone Position

Face-down position with arms at angles to body.

Supine Position

Body in an upward position.

Dorsorecumbent Position

Position used during gynecological and urinary exams.

Dorsosacral Position (Lithotomy Position)

Similar to dorsal recumbent position with legs raised closer to chest.

Knee-chest Position (Genupectoral)

Patient on knees, chest face-down.

Sims' Position

Patient on left side, right knee drawn up, left arm along back.

Fowler's Position

Head raised up about 18 inches with knees elevated.

Trendelenburg Position

Patient on back with head lowered.

Opisthotonos Position

Assumed with nervous system complications (meningitis, encephalitis, cerebral palsy).