Directional Terminology

Dorsal

Towards or relatively near the upper surface (as opposed to the supporting surface) of the head, body, and tail

Ventral

Toward or relatively near the supporting surface and the corresponding surface of the head, neck, thorax, and tail.

Term never used for limbs

Ventral

Medial

Toward or relatively near median plane

Lateral

Away from or relatively farther from median plane

Cranial

Toward or relatively near the head; on limbs applies as proximal to carpus and tarsus

Rostral

Toward or relatively near the nose; applies to head only

Caudal

Toward or relatively near the tail

Proximal

Relatively near the main mass or origin; in limbs and tail, attached end of that structure

Distal

Away from main mass or origin; in limbs and tail, free end of that strucutre

Superficial

Relatively near surface of body or the surface of a solid organ

Deep

Relatively near the center of the body or the center of a solid organ

Internal or Inner

Close to, or in the direction of, the center of an organ, body cavity, or structure

External or outer

Away from the center of an organ or structure

Palmar

Aspect of forepaw on which the pads are located; surface that contacts the ground in the standing animal

Plantar

Aspect of the hindpaw on which pads are located; surface that contacts the ground on the standing animal

Axis

Central line of the body or any of its parts

Flexion

Movement of one bone in relation to another where the flexor angle formed at their joint is reduced. Limb is retracted or folded; digit is bend; back is arched dorsally

Extension

Movement of one bone upon another such that the flexor angle formed at their joint increases. Limb reaches out or is extended; digit is straightened; the back is straightenend.

Hyperextension, Overextension

Extension beyond 180 degrees

Abduction

The movement of a part away from the median plane

Adduction

The movement of a part toward the median plane

Circumduction

The movement of a part when outlinging the surface of a cone

Rotation

The movement of a part around its long axis

Supination

Lateral rotation of the appendage so that the palmar or plantar surgave of the paw faces medially

Prontation

Medial rotation of the appendege from the supine position so that the palmar or plantae surface will face the substrate

Bracium

Space of the arm between the shoulder and elbow

Antebrachium

Space of the arm between the elbow and carpus

Crus

Space on the leg between the stifle and tarsus