Directional and anatomical planes terminology

Dorsal

Towards the back or vertebral column, including the upper-most surfaces of the tail, head and neck

Ventral

Towards the lower-most surfaces of the body to include the lower surfaces of the head, neck and tail

Cranial

Towards the head end of the body (anterior)

Rostral

Towards the nose (only used when referring to structures of the head)

Caudal 

Towards the back end of the body (ie towards the tail - posterior) 

Distal

Refers to structures that are distant from the body. Often referring to structures or regions of limbs

Proximal

Refers to structures that are close to the body. Often used when referring to the structure or regions of the limbs

Palmer

The underside surface of the front foot, extending from carpus to digits

Plantar

The underside surface of the hind foot, extending from the tarsus/hock to the digits

Medial

Towards the midline of the body (middle/inside/stomach)

Lateral 

Towards the side of the body (laying on one side)

Deep

Away from the surface or further into the body

Superficial

Towards the outer surfaces of the body

Dorsal plane

divides the body into dorsal (top) and ventral (bottom) parts

Transverse plane

Splits the head end from the tail end (body, limb, or head)

Median plane (midsagittal)

runs down the length of the body along the midline, dividing into equal left and right halves 

Sagittal plane (paramedian)

Any line which is parallel to the median (lengthwise) plane. Does not divide the body into equal halves, goes from head to tail

Recumbency

A clinical term used to describe an animal that is lying down and unable to rise. Can be lateral, dorsal or ventral/sternal