1.1.2 language of anatomy

coronal plane

divides the body vertically into anterior and posterior portions

sagittal plane

divides the body vertically into unequal left and right portions

transverse plane

divides body horizontally into superior and inferior portions

median plane

divides the body vertically into equally left and right portions

anatomical position

standing up straight with arms hanging at the sides and palms facing out

superior

above, toward the head

inferior

below, toward the tail

anterior

toward / at the front body

posterior

toward / at back of body

medial

towards the midline (vertical) of the body

lateral

away from the midline (vertical) of the body

distal

farther from the point of attachment

proximal

closer to the point of attachment

superficial

at or close to the body’s surface

deep

below or away from the body’s surface

ventral

toward the front of the body / structure

dorsal

toward the rear of the body / structure

axial skeleton

head, neck, trumk

appendicular skeleton

limbs attached to axial skeleton

dorsal cavity

houses nervous system organs

cranial cavity

brain

vertebral cavity

spinal cord

ventral cavity

houses visceral organs

thoracic cavity

heart & lungs

abdominal cavity

stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, small intestine , most of large intestines

pelvic cavity

bladder & internal reproductive organs

abdominal region

anterior body trunk inferior to ribs

brachial region

arm

antecubital region

anterior surface of elbow

axillary region

armpit

buccal region

cheek area

calcaneal region

heel of foot

carpal region

wrist

cephalic region

head

cervical

neck

coxal region

hips

digital region

fingers & toes

femoral region

thigh

gluteal region

buttock

inguinal region

where thigh meets body trunk & groin

lumbar region

area if back between ribs and hips / lower back

nasal region

nose

occipital re

posterior surface of head / back of skull

olecranal region

posterior surface of elbow

oral region

mouth

orbital region

eye

patellar region

anterior knee

pelvic region

overlying the pelvis anteriorly

popliteal region

posterior knee

sacral region

area between hips

scapular region

shoulder blade region

tarsal region

ankle

thoracic region

chest

umbilical region

navel / belly button

vertebral region

spinal column