Directional terms ect.

Anterior (ventral)

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body

Posterior (dorsal)

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body

Superior

Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body

Inferior (caudal)

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body

Lateral

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body

Medial

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body

Proximal

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Distal

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the truck of the body

Superficial

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body

Deep

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body

Contralateral

Describes structures found on opposite sides of the body (right vs. left side)

Ipsilateral

Describes structures found on the same side of the body

Sagittal plane

Divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides

Midsagitall/ Median plane

Vertical plane runs directly down the middle of the body

Parasagittal plane

Divides the body into unequal right and left sides

Frontal Plane

(Sometimes referred to as a coronal plane)

Divides the body or an organ into an anterior portion and posterior portion

Transverse plane

Divides the body or organ horizontally into upper and lower portions

Produce images referred to as cross sections

Body planes that would allow you to see both lungs at the same times:

a) Midsagittal

b) Parasagittal

c) Frontal

d) Transverse

e) Oblique

Frontal and Transverse

Body planes that would allow you to see the brain and the spinal cord:

a) Sagittal

b) Frontal

c) Transverse

d) Oblique

Sagittal (midsagittal or parasagittal) and oblique

Body planes that would allow you to see the brain but not the spinal cord:

a) Midsagittal

b) Parasagittal

c) Frontal

d) Transverse

e) Oblique

Frontal and Transverse*

Body plane that would allow you to see the right eye but not the left eye:

a) Midsagittal

b) Parasagittal

c) Frontal

d) Transverse

e) Oblique

Parasagittal (possible with an Oblique slice through the right orbit)

The serous membrane around the heart that sits directly on the heart itself is called _____

a) visceral pleura

b) visceral pericardium

c) visceral peritoneum

d) parietal pericardium

e) parietal pleura

Visceral pericardium