ANATOMICAL DIRECTIONAL TERMS

Front

Anatomic Position

Back

the point of reference in which various body parts are being

Described

Front

Transverse:

Back

the horizontal plane that divides the body into a top and bottom

1. Superior: above the transverse plane

2. Inferior: below the transverse plane

Front

Midsagittal (Midline)

Back

the plane that divides the body into right and left

1. Medial: closest to the midline

2. Lateral: furthest away from the midline

Front

Frontal (Coronal)

Back

the plane that divides the body into front and back

1. Anterior (Ventral): toward the front of the body

2. Posterior (Dorsal): toward the back of the body

Front

Proximal and Distal

Back

directional terms used to describe the relationship of the extremities (arms and legs) to the point of reference

Front

Proximal

Back

body parts closest to the point of reference

Front

Distal

Back

body parts furthest from the point of reference