Body terms

frontal plane

front view

sagittal plane

side view

transverse plane, cross section

top view

cavities in the thoracic cavity

pleural cavities, pericardial cavity

cavities in the abdominopelvic cavity

abdominal cavity, pelvic cavity

what divides the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity

diaphragm

describe the anatomical position. Which part of the hands, feet, and knew joint face anteriorly

superior

above; toward the head end or upper part of structure or the body

ex. head is superior to the abdomen

inferior

below; away from the head end toward the lower part of a structure or the body

ex. the intensities are inferior to the liver

medial

at the midline of the body

ex. the heart is medial to the lungs

lateral

closer to the side of the body

ex. the thumb is lateral to the pinky

proximal

closer to the origin of a body part

ex. the elbow is proximal to the wrist

distal

farther from the origin of a body part

ex. the knee is distal to the thigh

ipsilateral

on the same side of the body

ex. the right hand and right foot

contralateral

on the opposite side of the body

ex. the right hand and left foot

anterior (ventral)

in front of

ex. the sternum is anterior to the heart

dorsal/posterior

behind

ex. the vertebra is posterior to the heart

superficial (external)

toward or at the body surface

ex. skin to skeletal muscles

deep (internal)

more internal; away from body surface

the lungs are deep to the skin