Basic Anatomical Terms

Front

distal

Back

far from the point of attachment or origin.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

ventral cavity

Back

The thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity are both contained within the ventral cavity.

Front

inferior

Back

below or lower in position.

Front

proximal

Back

nearer to the point of attachment or origin.

Front

sagittal plane

Back

divides the body into left and right.

Front

superior

Back

above or higher in position.

Front

medial

Back

toward the midline of the body.

Front

lateral

Back

away from the midline of the body.

Front

transverse plane

Back

divides the body into upper and lower parts.

Front

anterior

Back

toward the front of the body.