Body Regions, Directions, and Planes

Front

Anatomical Position

Back

The standard position of the body used as a reference in anatomy, where the body is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Front

Inferior

Back

A directional term meaning 'below' or 'lower than' another structure.

Front

Proximal

Back

A directional term meaning 'closer to the point of attachment' or 'closer to the trunk of the body.'

Front

Superior

Back

A directional term meaning 'above' or 'higher than' another structure.

Front

Superficial

Back

A term that refers to a position closer to the surface of the body.

Front

Medial

Back

A directional term meaning 'toward the midline of the body.'

Front

Lateral

Back

A directional term meaning 'away from the midline of the body.'

Front

Anatomical Position - True Statements

Back

In the anatomical position, the head is facing forward, the body is erect, and the upper limbs are at the sides.

Front

Thoracic Cavity

Back

The cavity in the body that houses the heart and lungs, located superior to the abdominopelvic cavity.

Front

Abdominopelvic Regions

Back

The body is divided into nine regions for anatomical study, including right and left regions that are paired.