Introduction to Anatomy - Terms

1. Frontal plane – (Coronal) a division that separates the body into anterior and posterior portions (front and back).

2. Sagittal plane – (median) a lengthwise cut that divides the body into right and left portions.

3. Transverse plane – (horizontal) a cut that divides the body into superior and inferior portions. (top and bottom)

4. Medial – an imaginary line dividing a body into equal left and right portions.

5. Superficial – situated near the surface of the body.

6. Superior – something is above something else, or closer to the head.

7. Inferior – something is below something else, or closer to the feet.

8. Anterior – (ventral) means toward the front.

9. Posterior – (dorsal) means toward the back.

10. Distal – Something is further from the trunk of the body or another specified point than something else.

11. Proximal – something that is closer to the trunk of the body or closer to another specified point than something else.

12. Flexion – Bending parts at a joint so that the angle between them decreases in size. (bending arm at the elbow)

13. Extension – Straightening parts at a joint so that the angle between them expands.

14. Pronation – Turning the hand so the palm is facing down or posteriorly

15. Supine – When the palm is facing upward or anteriorly

16. Abduction – Moving a part away from the midline

17. Adduction – Moving a part toward the midline

18. Circumduction – Moving a part so its end follows a circular path

19. Inversion – Turning the foot so the sole faces medially

20. Eversion - Turning the foot so the sole faces laterally

21. Elevation - Lifting

22. Depression - Lowering

23. Anatomical position – Standing straight up with your arms slightly out and your palms facing away from you

24. Dorsal – pertaining to the back (dorsum)

25. Ventral – pertaining to the abdominal region

26. Interior - inside

27. Exterior - outside

28. Peripheral – near the surface

29. Lateral - external