M1 Topic 5: Anatomical terminology

Question 1

The anatomical position

Answer 1

• Standing up
• Eyes facing forward
• Arms straight and by the side with palms facing forward
• Feet flat on floor and directed forward

Question 2

Supine

Answer 2

Lying on back

Question 3

Prone

Answer 3

Lying on front

Question 4

Anatomical planes

Answer 4

Imaginary lines that pass through body

• Sagittal plane
• Coronal (frontal) plane
• Transverse (horizontal/axial) plane

Question 5

Sagittal plane

Answer 5

Divides body into left and right sections

Question 6

Coronal (frontal) plane

Answer 6

Divides body into front and back

Question 7

Transverse (horizontal/axial) plane

Answer 7

Divides body into upper and lower portions

Question 8

Superior

Answer 8

Toward the head, or upper part of structure

Question 9

Inferior

Answer 9

Away from the head, or lower part of structure

Question 10

Anterior

Answer 10

Towards front of body

Question 11

Posterior

Answer 11

Towards back of body

Question 12

Medial

Answer 12

Towards midline

Question 13

Lateral

Answer 13

Away from midline

Question 14

Intermediate

Answer 14

Between two structures

Question 15

Ipsilateral

Answer 15

On same side of body as another structure

Question 16

Contralateral

Answer 16

On opposite side of body from another structure

Question 17

Proximal

Answer 17

Nearer to attachment of limb to trunk

Question 18

Distal

Answer 18

Farther from attachment of limb to trunk

Question 19

Superficial (external)

Answer 19

Towards or on surface of body

Question 20

Deep (internal)

Answer 20

Away from surface of body

Question 21

Bilateral

Answer 21

Occurring on both sides of body

Question 22

Unilateral

Answer 22

Occurring on one side of the body