Anatomical Directions Flashcards
(24 cards)
Right
To the right of the body or structure being studied
Left
To the left of body (the subject’s, not yours)
Lateral
Toward the side; away from the midsaggital plane
Medial
Toward the midsaggital plane; away from the side
Anterior
Toward the front of the body
Posterior
Toward the back (rear)
Superior
Toward the top of the body
Inferior
Toward the bottom of the body
Dorsal
Along (or toward) the vertebral surface of the body
Ventral
Along (toward) the belly surface of the body
Caudad (caudal)
Toward the tail
Cephalad
Toward the head
Proximal
Toward the trunk
Distal
Away from the trunk or point of attachment
Visceral
Toward an internal organ
Parietal
Toward the wall; away from internal structures
Deep
Toward the inside of a part: away from the surface
Superficial
Toward the surface of a part; away from the inside
Medullary (middle)
Refers to an inner region or medulla
Cortical
Refers to an outer region or cortex
Sagittal
Cut into left and right parts
Midsagittal
Median right and left halves
Frontal (coronal) plane
Cut into a front and back
Transverse
Horizontal cut (superior and inferior part)
