Anatomical Directions

Question 1

Sagital Plane (Median)

Answer 1

Divides the body onto right and left portions
Vertical

Question 2

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Answer 2

Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions
Perpendicular to the sagital plane

Question 3

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Answer 3

Divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions

Question 4

Ventral

Answer 4

Toward the front or belly

Question 5

Dorsal

Answer 5

Toward the back or spine

Question 6

Anterior

Answer 6

Toward the ventral side

Question 7

Posterior

Answer 7

Toward the doral side

Question 8

Cephalic

Answer 8

Toward the head or superior end

Question 9

Rostral

Answer 9

Toward the forehead or nose

Question 10

Caudal

Answer 10

Toward the tail or inferior end

Question 11

Superior

Answer 11

Above

Question 12

Inferior

Answer 12

Below

Question 13

Medial

Answer 13

Toward the median plane

Question 14

Lateral

Answer 14

Away from the median plane

Question 15

Proximal

Answer 15

Closer to the point of attachment of origin

Question 16

Distal

Answer 16

Farther from the point of attachment or origin

Question 17

Superficial

Answer 17

Closer to the body surface

Question 18

Deep

Answer 18

Farther from the body surface

Question 19

Ipsilateral

Answer 19

On the same side of the body (right or left)

Question 20

Contralateral

Answer 20

On opposite sides of the body (right and left)

Question 21

Apical

Answer 21

Nearest to the tip or apex

Question 22

Basal

Answer 22

Nearest to the base

Question 23

What are the two major divisions of the body?

Answer 23

1. Axial
2. Appendicular

Question 24

What does the axial division of the body consist of?

Answer 24

• Head
• Neck
• Truck (torso)

Question 25

What does the appendicular division of the body consist of?

Answer 25

Upper and lower limbs (extremities)

Question 26

What are the two body cavities?

Answer 26

1. Dorsal cavity 2. Ventral cavity

Question 27

What does the dorsal cavity consist of?

Answer 27

- The cranial cavity: brain - The vertebral Cavity: spinal cord

Question 28

What does the ventral cavity consist of?

Answer 28

- The thoracic cavity: heart and lungs - The abdominal cavity: digestive organs, spleen, and kidneys - The pelvic cavity: bladder, reproductive organs

Question 29

What fluid membrane surrounds the ventral body cavity

Answer 29

Serous membrane: thin doubled layered membrane separated by serous fluid and comprised of 2 parts 1. Parietal serosa: lines body cavity walls (more superficial) 2. Visceral serosa: covers internal organs in the cavity

Question 30

What is the purpose of serous fluid?

Answer 30

- Provides lubrication between layers - Reduces friction