Overview
This lecture introduces and explains key anatomical directional terms, providing definitions and simple memory aids for each to help standardize anatomical descriptions.
Anatomical Position
- The standard anatomical position is standing upright, head and eyes forward, arms at sides, palms forward, thumbs away from body, legs parallel, and feet flat facing forward.
- Anatomical terms always refer to the patient's own right and left sides.
Medial and Lateral
- Medial means toward the midline (middle) of the body.
- Lateral means toward the side, away from the midline.
- Example: The nose is medial to the eyes; the eyes are lateral to the nose.
Superior and Inferior
- Superior means above or toward the head (also called cranial).
- Inferior means below or away from the head (also called caudal).
- Example: The eyes are superior to the mouth; the mouth is inferior to the eyes.
Anterior and Posterior
- Anterior means the front or toward the front of the body (also called ventral).
- Posterior means the back or toward the back of the body (also called dorsal).
- Example: The kneecap (patella) is on the anterior side of the leg; the elbow is on the posterior side of the arm.
Proximal and Distal
- Proximal means closer to the trunk or point of attachment.
- Distal means farther from the trunk or point of attachment.
- Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist; the hand is distal to the elbow.
Superficial and Deep
- Superficial means closer to the surface of the body.
- Deep means farther from the surface of the body.
- Example: The skin is superficial to the ribs; the lungs are deep to the ribs.
Unilateral and Bilateral
- Unilateral means affecting one side of the body.
- Bilateral means affecting both sides of the body.
- Example: A rash on one arm is unilateral; a rash on both arms is bilateral.
Ipsilateral and Contralateral
- Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body.
- Contralateral means on opposite sides of the body.
- Example: Injuries on the right arm are ipsilateral; injuries on the right and left arms are contralateral.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomical Position — Standardized body position used as a reference in anatomy.
- Medial — Toward the midline of the body.
- Lateral — Away from the midline, toward the side.
- Superior (Cranial) — Toward the head.
- Inferior (Caudal) — Away from the head, toward the feet.
- Anterior (Ventral) — Toward the front of the body.
- Posterior (Dorsal) — Toward the back of the body.
- Proximal — Closer to the trunk or point of attachment.
- Distal — Farther from the trunk or point of attachment.
- Superficial — Nearer to the surface of the body.
- Deep — Further from the surface of the body.
- Unilateral — Affecting one side.
- Bilateral — Affecting both sides.
- Ipsilateral — On the same side.
- Contralateral — On opposite sides.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the anatomical position and directional terms.
- Check the linked website for notes and images.
- Watch the previous video on body planes and sections for more detail.