Anatomical Positions and Planes

Anatomical Positions and Planes

• Anatomical Planes:

  • Coronal (or frontal): Divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

  • Medial (or median): Divides the body into left and right halves.

  • Sagittal: Parallel to the medial plane.

  • Transverse (or horizontal): Divides the body into superior and inferior sections.

Anatomical Directions

• Anterior (Ventral): Front of the body.

• Posterior (Dorsal): Back of the body.

• Superior (Cranial): Towards the head.

• Inferior (Caudal): Towards the tail.

• Medial: Towards the midline.

• Lateral: Away from the midline.

• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment.

• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment.

• Cephalic: Head.

• Plantar: Sole of the foot.

• Palmar: Palm of the hand.

Anatomical Movement

• Flexion: Bending a joint. (bend/process of)

• Extension: Straightening a joint. (out/stretch/process of)

• Supination: Turning the palm upward. (turn up)

• Pronation: Turning the palm downward. (turn down)

Body Positions

• Anatomical Position: Body erect, arms at sides, palms forward.

• Prone Position: Face down, arms at angles to body.

• Supine Position: Face up.

• Recovery Position: Minimizes movement until normal body functions are restored.

• Dorso/recumbent Position: Used for gynecological and urinary exams.

• Dorso/sacral Position (Lithotomy Position): Legs raised closer to chest, used for female and urinary operations.

• Knee-chest Position: Patient on knees, chest face-down.

• Sims' Position: Patient on left side, right knee drawn up, left arm along back.

• Fowler's Position: Head raised about 18 inches, knees elevated.

• Trendelenburg Position: Head lowered, used for abdominal surgery and C.V. shock.

• Opisthotonos Position: Assumed with nervous system complications (meningitis; encephalitis; cerebral palsy).