Anatomical Planes

Anatomy terms are derived from…

Location: Where is it located?
- Location/Orientation can be referential or designation
- Referential is descriptive of the location
- Designation refers to something as part of a larger structure
- Location and Orientation are different for quadrupeds and upright animals (incl. humans)
Morphology - What does it look like? What is its shape?
Function - What does it do?
Ego-testical - Using your name, typically a man's name

Orientation

Anterior (Ventral) - Posterior (Dorsal)
- Anterior is towards the front, the belly
- Posterior is towards the rear, the back
Medial-Lateral
- Lateral is away from the midline (left or right)
- Medial is towards the midline
Proximal-Distal
- Toward the center, or origin (is also referred to as central)
- Away from the center, or origin (is also referred to as peripheral)
Superior-Inferior
- Superior (Rostral) refers to upper areas of the body, towards the head
- Inferior (Caudal) refers to lower areas of the body, towards the tail

Anatomical Planes of Reference

Coronal - Frontal
- plane from side to side
- divides body into anterior and posterior portions
Sagittal - Lateral
- plane from dorsal to ventral
- divides body into left and right portions
Transverse - Axial
- plane through axis
- divides body into upper and lower portions

Prone vs. Supine