Anatomical Positions, Directions, and Regions

Axial

Head, neck, and trunk

Appendicular

Limbs

Frontal

Divides body vertically into posterior (front) and anterior (back)

Transverse

Divides body horizontally into superior and anterior parts

Sagittal

Divides body into left and right

Dorsal

Home to the cranial cavity (encases brain) and vertebral cavity (houses spinal cord)

Ventral

Houses the internal organs. Holds two sub cavities: Superior thoracic and inferior abdominopelvic

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body

Distal

Farther from the origin of the body

Superior

Toward the head end (cranial)

Inferior

Away from the head end (caudal)

Medial

Toward or at the midline

Lateral

Away from the midline

Pleural Cavity

Houses the lungs

Mediastinum

Contains pericardial cavity

Pericardial Cavity

Encloses the heart

Abdominal Cavity

Contains stomach, intestines, spleen, and liver

Pelvic Cavity

Contains bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum