Anatomy Directional Terms and Body Sections for Biology Students

Dorsal

Towards the spine

Ventral

Towards the front (belly region)

Anterior

From (face)

Posterior

Back (butt)

Superior

Above

Inferior

Below

Medial

Middle (towards midline)

Lateral

To the side

Proximal

Closer to point of attachment

Distal

Further from point of attachment

Superficial

Towards the outside

Deep

Towards the inside

Midsagittal

Separates the body into equal left and right sides

Transversal cut

Separates superior from inferior

Sagittal cut

Separates left/right

Frontal section

Separates anterior from posterior

Oblique

Transverse cut at an angle

Integumentary System

Protects the body; regulates temperature; prevents water loss

Skeletal System

Supports and protects the body, allows movement; produces blood cells

Muscular System

Produces movement; maintains posture; generates heat

Nervous System

Controls and coordinates body activities; responds to stimuli

Endocrine System

Produces hormones that regulate body processes

Cardiovascular System

Transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and wastes throughout the body

Lymphatic/Immune System

Defends against disease and returns fluid to the bloodstream

Respiratory System

Brings in oxygen and removes carbon dioxide

Digestive System

Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients

Urinary System

Removes wastes from blood; regulates water and electrolyte balance

Reproductive System

Produces sex cells and allows reproduction

Rt Hypochondriac region

top right; liver, gallbladder

LT hypochondriac region

top left; stomach

Rt Lumbar region

middle right; ascending colon

LT Lumbar region

descending colon

Rt. Iliac (Inguinal) region

bottom right; appendix, ovaries

Lt. Iliac (Inguinal) region

bottom left; Lt ovary

Epigastric region

upper middle portion; stomach, liver

Umbilical region

around the navel; small intestine

Hypogastric region

inferior to the umbilical region; bladder, uterus