Directional Terms Flashcards
(17 cards)
Why do we use anatomical terms?
Precisely describe the location of features on a body
Define the specific position of ‘anatomical position.’’
- Standing upright
- Arms at sides
- Palms forward
- Feet together
Define anterior?
Front of the body (ventral)
Define posterior?
Back of the body (dorsal)
Define superior?
Above, towards the head
Define inferior?
Below, towards the feet
What is the special rule about proximal and distal related to limbs?
Only use when describing 2 points on the SAME limb (leg or arm)
Define proximal?
Closer to where the are or leg inserts into the body
Define distal?
Further away from where the arm or leg inserts into the body
What does midline refer to?
An imaginary line that cuts the body in half
Define medial?
Closer to the midline
Define lateral?
Further from the midline
Why are sections/planes used?
Describes the position of internal structures
Define the sagittal plane?
Lengthwise cut that divides the body into left and right portions
What parts does the frontal plane divide?
Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions of the body
What parts does the transverse plane divide?
Horizontal cut that divides the body into superior and inferior positions
What does the oblique plane refer to?
Passes through the body at an oblique angle
