Body Planes, Cavities, and Directional Terms

Sagittal plane

divides the body into left & right

Frontal Plane

divides the body into anterior & posterior

transverse plane

divides the body into superior & anterior

Cranial

includes brain

vertebral

includes the spinal cord

thoracic

includes lung, heart, esophagus, and trachea

abdominal

includes stomach, liver, gallbladder, small/large intestines, and spleen

pelvic

includes urinary bladder, internal reproductive organs, and some of large intestine

superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body

inferior

Away from the head or toward the lower part of the body

anterior

Toward the front of the body

posterior

Toward the back of the body

medial

Toward the midline or center of the body

lateral

Away from the midline of the body

proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body, used mainly for limbs

distal

Farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body, used mainly for limbs

superficial

Toward or on the surface of the body

deep

Away from the surface or further into the body