Anatomy: Body Planes, Directional Terms, Cavities, and Abdominal Regions

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering anatomical planes, directional terms, major and minor body cavities with their contained organs, as well as abdominal quadrants and regions.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into top and bottom halves.

Superior

Refers to a body part that is above other body parts.

Inferior

Refers to a body part that is below other body parts.

Midsagittal Plane

Divides the body into equal right and left sides.

Medial

Refers to a body part located near the midline.

Lateral

Refers to a body part that is not near the midline (away from the midline).

Frontal Plane

Divides the body into front and back sections.

Ventral / Anterior

Refers to body parts located in the front of the body.

Dorsal / Posterior

Refers to body parts located in the back of the body.

Proximal

Refers to body parts located near a point of reference.

Body Cavities

Spaces within the body that contain, protect, and support vital internal organs.

Dorsal Cavity

Body cavity located on the posterior side of the body that contains the cranial and spinal cavities.

Ventral Cavities

Body cavities located on the anterior side of the body, which include the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

A ventral cavity containing the esophagus, heart, trachea, and lungs.

Abdominal Cavity

A ventral cavity containing the intestines, stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

Pelvic Cavity

A ventral cavity containing the reproductive organs and the urinary bladder.

Orbital Cavity

A small skull cavity that contains the eyes.

Nasal Cavity

A small skull cavity that contains the nose structures.

Buccal Cavity

A small facial cavity that contains the mouth.

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

The upper right quadrant of the abdominal cavity.

Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

The upper left quadrant of the abdominal cavity.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

The lower right quadrant of the abdominal cavity.

Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

The lower left quadrant of the abdominal cavity.

Epigastric Region

The abdominal region located above the stomach.

Umbilical Region

The central abdominal region located around the umbilicus.

Hypogastric Region

The abdominal region located below the stomach.

Hypochondriac Region

The abdominal region located below the ribs.

Lumbar Region

The abdominal region located near the large bones of the spine.

Iliac / Inguinal Region

The abdominal region located near the groin.