Anatomic Terms

 

Definition of Anatomic orientation terms

Anatomic orientation terms: In anatomy, certain terms are used to denote orientation. For example, a structure may be horizontal, as opposed to vertical.

Some of the terms of anatomic orientation are as follows:

• Anterior: The front, as opposed to the posterior.

• Anteroposterior: From front to back, as opposed to posteroanterior.

• Caudad: Toward the feet (or tail in embryology), as opposed to cranial.

• Caudal: Pertaining to, situated in, or toward the tail or the hind part. Or below another structure.

• Cranial: Toward the head, as opposed to caudad.

• Deep: Away from the exterior surface or further into the body, as opposed to superficial.

• Distal: Further from the beginning, as opposed to proximal.

• Dorsal: The back, as opposed to ventral.

• Horizontal: Parallel to the floor, a plane passing through the standing body parallel to the floor.

• Inferior: Below, as opposed to superior.

• Inferolateral: Below and to one side. Both inferior and lateral.

• Lateral: Toward the left or right side of the body, as opposed to medial.

• Medial: In the middle or inside, as opposed to lateral.

• Posterior: The back or behind, as opposed to the anterior.

• Posteroanterior: From back to front, as opposed to anteroposterior.

• Pronation: Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm is down (and the corresponding movement of the foot and leg with the sole down), as opposed to supination.

• Prone: With the front or ventral surface downward (lying face down), as opposed to supine.

• Proximal: Toward the beginning, as opposed to distal.

• Sagittal: A vertical plane passing through the standing body from front to back. The mid-sagittal, or median plane, splits the body into left and right halves.

• Superficial: On the surface or shallow, as opposed to deep.

• Superior: Above, as opposed to inferior.

• Supination: Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm is upward (and the corresponding movement of the foot and leg), as opposed to pronation.

• Supine: With the back or dorsal surface downward (lying face up), as opposed to prone.

• Transverse: A horizontal plane passing through the standing body parallel to the ground.

• Ventral: Pertaining to the abdomen, as opposed to dorsal.

• Vertical: Upright, as opposed to horizontal.

 

Last update Aug. 2008