Anatomical terms

Anatomical positionA specific stance

used by scientists and health care professionals

A standing body faces front with palms facing forward.

Feet are pointed forward

Arms are at the sides.

Names of body regions

Directional termsDescribe positions of

one body part relative to another.

Terms are grouped in pairs with opposite meanings.

Superior/inferiorPosterior/anteriorMedial/lateral

More terms…..Proximal- nearer to

the attachment of the trunk

Distal- farther from the attachment

Superficial- towards the surface

Deep- away from the surface

Planes and sectionsPlanes are imaginary

flat sections that pass through body parts.

Sagittal plane: vertical to midline (rt./left)

Frontal (coronal)plane: divides into anterior and posterior portions

Transverse plane: divides into superior and inferior portions (cross section)

Brain frontal section

Brain transverse section

Brain midsaggital secton

Whole brain

Body cavities

Cranial: brainVertebral: spinal cordThoracic: pleural, pericardial, mediastinumAbdominopelvic: organs of digestion and reproduction