Directional Terminology Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does ‘Plantar’ refer to?
The sole of the foot
‘Plantar’ is used in anatomical terminology to describe the bottom surface of the foot.
What is the definition of ‘Palmar’?
The front or palm of the hand
‘Palmar’ specifically indicates the inner surface of the hand.
What does ‘Volar’ pertain to?
Pertaining to the palm of the hand or flexor surface of the wrist or the sole
‘Volar’ can also refer to the sole of the foot.
What is the ‘Thenar’?
The fleshy part of the hand at the base of the thumb
The thenar region is important for thumb movement and grip.
What does ‘Contralateral’ mean?
On the opposite side
This term is often used in discussions of body symmetry and movement.
Define ‘Ipsilateral’.
On the same side
‘Ipsilateral’ is used to describe structures located on the same side of the body.
What does ‘Rostral’ refer to?
Toward the nose
‘Rostral’ is often used in neurological contexts to describe locations in the brain.
What does ‘Caudal’ mean?
Toward the feet
‘Caudal’ is typically used to describe structures that are located toward the lower end of the body.
What is the definition of ‘Cranial’ or ‘Cephalic’?
Toward the head
These terms are used interchangeably to indicate a direction toward the head.
What does ‘Deep’ refer to in anatomical terms?
Farther into the body and away from the body surface
‘Deep’ contrasts with ‘superficial’, which describes structures closer to the surface.
What does ‘Superficial’ mean?
Near the body surface
This term is often used to describe injuries or conditions that affect the outer layers of the body.
Define ‘Distal’.
Away from a reference point or source within the body
‘Distal’ is commonly used in reference to limbs and their extremities.
What does ‘Proximal’ mean?
Toward a reference point or source within the body
‘Proximal’ is used to describe structures that are closer to the trunk of the body.
What does ‘Lateral’ refer to?
Away from the midsagittal plane
‘Lateral’ indicates a position further from the midline of the body.
Define ‘Medial’.
Toward the midsagittal plane
‘Medial’ describes structures that are closer to the midline of the body.
What does ‘Posterior’ or ‘Dorsal’ mean?
Toward the back or posterior surface of the body
This term is used to describe the orientation of structures in relation to the back.
What does ‘Anterior’ or ‘Ventral’ refer to?
Toward the front or anterior surface of the body
This term is used to describe structures that are located toward the front of the body.
What does ‘Inferior’ mean?
Below; at a lower level
‘Inferior’ is used to describe a position that is lower than another part in the body.
Define ‘Superior’.
Above; at a higher level
‘Superior’ indicates a position that is higher than another part of the body.
What is ‘Directional Terminology’?
Terms used to describe the locations of structures in relation to each other
Directional terminology is essential for accurately describing anatomical positions.
