Anatomical Terms and Planes

Overview

This lecture introduces essential anatomical terms and planes, explaining how they allow precise communication about body structure and location.

Purpose of Anatomical Terms

• Anatomical terms enable precise descriptions of locations on the body.
• Vague descriptions (e.g., “on my stomach”) are not helpful for anatomists.
• Using specific terminology clarifies exactly where a feature is located.

Anatomical Position

• The anatomical position is standing upright, arms at sides, palms forward, feet together.
• Anatomical terms always refer to the body as if it is in anatomical position.

Directional Terms

• "Left" and "Right" always refer to the subject's left and right, not the observer’s.
• "Anterior" (ventral) means toward the front of the body; "posterior" (dorsal) means toward the back.
• "Superior" means above or toward the head; "inferior" means below or toward the feet.
• "Proximal" means closer to where a limb attaches to the body; "distal" means farther from attachment, used only on limbs.
• "Medial" means closer to the midline; "lateral" means farther from the midline.

Examples of Directional Terms

• The belly button is anterior (ventral) and the heel is posterior (dorsal) to the toes.
• The knee is proximal to the ankle; the wrist is distal to the elbow.
• The thumb is lateral to the little finger.
• The nose is medial, inferior, and anterior to the eyes.

Anatomical Planes

• Sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions.
• Midsagittal plane passes through the midline; parasagittal plane does not.
• Frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.
• Transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions.
• Oblique plane cuts the body at an angle.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Anatomical Position — Standard body stance used for reference: upright, arms at sides, palms forward.
• Anterior (Ventral) — Front of the body.
• Posterior (Dorsal) — Back of the body.
• Superior — Above or toward the head.
• Inferior — Below or toward the feet.
• Proximal — Closer to limb attachment point.
• Distal — Farther from limb attachment point.
• Medial — Closer to body midline.
• Lateral — Farther from body midline.
• Sagittal Plane — Divides body left/right.
• Frontal (Coronal) Plane — Divides body front/back.
• Transverse Plane — Divides body upper/lower.
• Oblique Plane — Angled division of the body.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Practice describing the location of body parts using correct anatomical terms.
• Learn to identify and draw anatomical planes on diagrams.