TERMINOLOGY

The Language of Anatomy

• Special terminology is used to prevent misunderstanding

• The anatomical position refers to individual standing, facing forward, palms forward.

• Exact terms are used for:– Position– Direction– Regions– Structures

Orientation & Directional Terms

Superior vs. Inferior Above (toward the head) vs. Below (toward

the lower body)

Anterior vs. Posterior In front vs. behind

Medial vs. Lateral Midline vs. toward the outer sides

Intermediate Between 2 other structures

Orientation & Directional Terms

Proximal vs. Distal Closer to a point of attachment compared to farther

away from a point of attachment

Superficial vs. Deep At or near the surface vs. more internal

Anterior Body Landmarks

Posterior Body Landmarks

Body Planes

Sagittal plane separates the left side from the

right

Frontal (or coronal) plane separates the front from the

back

Transverse plane separates the top from the

bottom

Body Planes

Body Cavities

The ventral cavity contains the thoracic & abdominopelvic cavities, and are separated by the diaphragm.

Dorsal cavity contains the cranial and spinal cavities

Abdomino-pelvic

Quadrants

NINE ABDOMINO-PELVIC

REGIONS

Major Organs of Ventral Body

Cavity