1. Anatomical Directions and Major Body Regions

2. Anatomical Position and Bilateral Symmetry
In the anatomical position, the body is in an erect, or standing, posture with the arms at the sides and palms forward. The head and feet are also pointing forward.
Bilateral Symmetry – the left and right sides are mirror images of each other, and only one plane can divide the body into left and right sides.

3. Anatomical Position and Bilateral Symmetry
Ipsilateral – on the same side
Contralateral – on the opposite side

4. Major Body Cavities Dorsal Body Cavity Ventral Body Cavity
Cranial cavity
Spinal cavity
Ventral Body Cavity
Thoracic cavity
Abdominopelvic cavity

5. Body Regions Axial – consists of the head, neck and torso
Appendicular – consists of the upper and lower extremities and their connections to the axial portion

7. Directional Terms Superior – toward the head
Inferior – toward the feet
Anterior – front or in front of
Posterior – back or in back of
Ventral – toward the belly
Dorsal – toward the back

8. Medial – toward the midline of the body
Lateral – toward the side of the body, or away from its midline
Proximal – toward the nearest the trunk of the body, or nearest point of origin
Distal – away from or farthest from the trunk or point of origin of a body part
Superficial – nearer the surface
Deep – farther away from the body surface

9. Body Planes
Sagittal – A lengthwise plane running from front to back that divides the body into right and left sides.
Coronal – A lengthwise plane running from side to side. Divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior. Also called a frontal plane.
Transverse – A crosswise plane; divides the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts. Also called a horizontal plane.