1. Anatomical Planes and Directions

2. Anatomical Position
Definition: A reference position that gives meaning to the directional terms used to describe the body parts and regions
The body is in a standing posture with the arms at the sides, palms turned forward, feet together and pointed forward, and head pointed forward

3. Midline
Definition: A reference line extending down the middle of the body, encompassing the vertebral column, spinal cord, and naval

4. Body Planes
Used to cut the body into smaller sections in order to facilitate study of body cavities, organs, systems, etc.
Especially useful in medical imaging studies

5. Median Plane
Definition: The midline, longitudinal plane dividing the head and torso into equal right and left halves
The middle sagittal plane
Encompasses the vertebral column and spinal cord

6. Sagittal Plane
Definition: The longitudinal plane dividing the body into left and right parts
Parallel to the median plane and may be applied to the head, torso, and limbs
Not limited to the midline

7. Frontal (Coronal) Plane
Definition: The longitudinal plane dividing the body into equal or unequal front and back parts
The term “coronal” is used by radiologists in reference to MRIs and CT scans

8. Transverse Plane
Definition: The horizontal plane that divides the body or body parts into upper and lower segments
A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal planes

9. Craft Time!!!!! Construct a plane model
No, not a paper airplane…
A 3-D model of the body planes, like this:
Color-code it and label it to help you identify the planes

10. Left Definition: To the left side of the midline
References the subject’s left, not your left
Example: The stomach is to the left of the liver

11. Right
Definition: To the right side of the body or structure being studied
Example: The right lung is bigger than the left lung

12. Lateral Definition: Toward the side; away from the midline
Example: The eyes are lateral to the nose

13. Medial Definition: Toward the midline: away from the side
Example: The eyes are medial to the ears

14. Anterior Definition: Toward the front of the body
Example: The nose is on the anterior side of the head

15. Posterior Definition: Toward the back of the body
Example: A mullet is long on the posterior side of the body

16. Superior Definition: Toward the top of the body
Example: The shoulders are superior to the hips

17. Inferior Definition: Toward the bottom of the body
Example: The liver is inferior to the heart

18. Dorsal Definition: Along (or toward) the vertebral surface of the body
Example: The SI joints are on the dorsal surface

19. Ventral Definition: Along (toward) the belly surface of the body
Example: The naval is on the ventral surface

20. Caudal Definition: Toward the tail
Example: The neck is caudal to the skull

21. Cephalad Definition: Toward the head
Example: The neck is cephalad to the tail

22. Proximal Definition: Toward the trunk
Describes relative position in a limb or other appendage
Example: The joint is proximal to the toenail

23. Distal Definition: Away from the trunk or point of attachment
Example: The hand is distal to the elbow

24. Visceral
Definition: Toward an internal organ; away from the outer wall
Describes positions inside a body cavity
Example: The organ is lined with the visceral layer of the membrane

25. Parietal Definition: Toward the wall; away from internal structures
Example: The abdominal cavity is lined with the parietal peritoneal membrane

26. Deep Definition: Toward the inside of a part; away from the surface
Example: The thigh muscles are deep to the skin

27. Superficial
Definition: Toward the surface of a part; away from the inside
Example: The skin is a superficial organ

28. Medullary Definition: Refers to an inner region, or medulla
Example: The medullary cavity is where bone marrow is produced

29. Cortical Definition: Refers to the outer region, or cortex
Example: Cortical bone covers the external surface of the bone

30. Intrinsic Definition: Inherent or inside
Example: The lumbricals are intrinsic hand muscles
Example: An intrinsic motivation is doing something because it makes you happy

31. Extrinsic Definition: Outer or from the outside
Example: The thumb flexor muscle is an extrinsic hand muscle
Example: An extrinsic motivation for doing something is monetary compensation

32. Valgus
Definition: An angulation outward and away from the midline of the body, as exhibited by the distal segment of the bone or joint
Example: Someone who is knock-kneed has valgus of the ankles

33. Varus
Definition: An angulation inward and toward the midline of the body, as exhibited by the distal segment of the bone or joint
Example: Someone who is bow-legged has varus of the ankles

34. Ipsilateral
Definition: Situated on or affecting the same side of the body
Example: The right eye and the right ear are ipsilateral body parts

35. Contralateral
Definition: Situated on or affecting the opposite side of the body
Example: The eyes are on contralateral sides of the head