Anatomical Directional Terms and Body Planes

Directional Terms and Body Planes

Anatomical Position

  • The anatomical position is a standard reference point for anatomical descriptions.
  • Individual stands erect (straight up).
  • Facing forward.
  • Feet straight forward, slightly apart.
  • Arms straight down the side of the body, slightly away from the body.
  • Palms facing forward, thumbs pointing outwards away from the body.

Directional Terms

  • Anterior (ventral): Towards the front. Example: The heart is anterior to the spine.
  • Posterior (dorsal): Towards the back. Example: The spine is posterior to the heart.
  • Superior: Towards the top or above. Example: The nose is superior to the mouth.
  • Inferior: Towards the bottom or below. Example: The chin is inferior to the mouth.
  • Medial: Towards the midline. Example: The chest is medial to the arms.
  • Lateral: Away from the midline. Example: The arms are lateral to the chest.
  • Intermediate: Between two points. Example: The elbow is intermediate to the forearm and upper arm.
  • Proximal: Closer to the point of origin. Example: The shoulder is proximal to the elbow.
  • Distal: Further away from the point of origin. Example: The hand is distal to the elbow.
  • Superficial: Towards the surface. Example: Skin is superficial to muscles.
  • Deep: Towards the inside. Example: The heart is deep to the ribs.

Regional Terms

Anterior/Ventral
  • Cephalic: Head
  • Frontal: Forehead
  • Orbital: Eye socket
  • Nasal: Nose
  • Oral: Mouth
  • Mental: Chin
  • Cervical: Neck
  • Thoracic: Chest
  • Sternal: Sternum
  • Axillary: Armpit
  • Mammary: Breast
  • Abdominal: Abdomen
  • Umbilical: Navel
  • Pelvic: Pelvis
  • Inguinal (groin): Groin area
  • Pubic (genital): Genital region
  • Acromial: Point of the shoulder
  • Brachial (arm): Arm (upper arm)
  • Antecubital: Front of the elbow
  • Olecranal: Point of the elbow
  • Antebrachial (forearm): Forearm
  • Carpal (wrist): Wrist
  • Manus (hand): Hand
  • Pollex: Thumb
  • Metacarpal: Bones of the hand
  • Palmar: Palm
  • Digital: Fingers or toes
  • Coxal (hip): Hip
  • Femoral (thigh): Thigh
  • Patellar: Kneecap
  • Popliteal: Back of the knee
  • Crural (leg): Leg (lower leg)
  • Sural (calf): Calf
  • Fibular or peroneal: Lateral aspect of the leg
  • Pedal (foot): Foot
  • Tarsal (ankle): Ankle
  • Calcaneal: Heel
  • Metatarsal: Bones of the foot
  • Plantar: Sole of the foot
  • Hallux: Big toe
Posterior/Dorsal
  • Cephalic: Head
  • Otic: Ear
  • Occipital (back of head): Back of the head
  • Cervical: Neck
  • Scapular: Scapula (shoulder blade)
  • Vertebral: Vertebral column
  • Lumbar: Lower back
  • Sacral: Sacrum
  • Gluteal: Buttock
  • Perineal: Region between the anus and external genitalia

Body Planes

  • Frontal plane: A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.
  • Sagittal plane: A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right parts.
    • Midsagittal plane: Divides the body into equal left and right halves.
    • Parasagittal plane: Divides the body into unequal left and right parts.
  • Transverse plane: A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.
  • Oblique plane: A diagonal plane through the body.