Anatomical planes, postitions and directions- Anatomy and Physiology

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right parts.

Median plane

Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Parasagittal plane

Divides the body into unequal left and right parts.

Coronal plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Frontal plane

Another term for the coronal plane.

Transversal plane

Divides the body horizontally into superior and inferior parts.

Horizontal

Another term for the transversal plane.

Axial parts

Comprises the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular parts

Arms and legs attached to the body's axis

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Ventral

Synonym for anterior, toward the front side.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Dorsal

Synonym for posterior, toward the back side.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Cranial

Synonym for superior, toward the head.

Inferior

Away from the head or toward the lower part.

Caudal

Toward the tail or inferior end.

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Anatomical position

Upright stance, feet flat, arms at sides, palms forward.

Prone

Lying face down.

Supine

Lying face up.