Anatomical Terms and Definitions

Anterior

front

Posterior

back

Superior

above

Inferior

below

Proximal

closer to the midline

Distal

further away from midline

Medial

toward the midline

Lateral

Away from the midline

Unilateral

one

Bilateral

two

Dorsal

towards the back

Ventral

towards the front

Plantar

sole of foot

Palmar

hand

Ulnar Deviation

moving toward inside

Radial Deviation

moving toward outside

Prone

on your belly

Supine

on your back

Cranial

brain

Caudal

tail

Movement

function of muscles to move bones

Abduction

moving away from midline (side)

Adduction

bringing back to midline

Flexion

decreasing joint angle (sagittal plane)

Extension

returning to anatomical position

Inversion

(ankle) sole turns in---most common ankle sprain

Eversion

(ankle) sole turns out

Pronation

palms turn down

Supination

palms turn up

Internal Rotation

rotational movement toward center

External Rotation

rotational movement toward outside

Circumduction

Movement in a circle (combination of movements)

Hyperextension

extension beyond anatomical position

Hyperflexion

bent more than normal

Horizontal Abduction

going out horizontally

Horizontal Adduction

coming on horizontally