Anatomic orientation terms

In anatomy, certain terms are used to denote orientation.

For example, a structure may be horizontal, as opposed to vertical.</P> Some of the terms of anatomic orientation are as follows:</P> > >Anterior: The front, as opposed to the posterior.

>Anteroposterior: From front to back, as opposed to posteroanterior.

>Caudad: Toward the feet (or tail in embryology), as opposed to cranial.

>Caudal: Pertaining to, situated in, or toward the tail or the hind part.

Or below another structure.

>Cranial: Toward the head, as opposed to caudad.

>Deep: Away from the exterior surface or further into the body, as opposed to superficial.

>Distal: Further from the beginning, as opposed to proximal.

>Dorsal: The back, as opposed to ventral.

>Horizontal: Parallel to the floor, a plane passing through the standing body parallel to the floor.

>Inferior: Below, as opposed to superior.

>Inferolateral: Below and to one side.

Both inferior and lateral.

>Lateral: Toward the left or right side of the body, as opposed to medial.

>Medial: In the middle or inside, as opposed to lateral.

>Posterior: The back or behind, as opposed to the anterior.

>Posteroanterior: From back to front, as opposed to anteroposterior.

>Pronation: Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm is down (and the corresponding movement of the foot and leg with the sole down), as opposed to supination.

>Prone: With the front or ventral surface downward (lying face down), as opposed to supine.

>Proximal: Toward the beginning, as opposed to distal.

>Sagittal: A vertical plane passing through the standing body from front to back.

The mid-sagittal, or median plane, splits the body into left and right halves.

>Superficial: On the surface or shallow, as opposed to deep.

>Superior: Above, as opposed to inferior.

>Supination: Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm is upward (and the corresponding movement of the foot and leg), as opposed to pronation.

>Supine: With the back or dorsal surface downward (lying face up), as opposed to prone.

>Transverse: A horizontal plane passing through the standing body parallel to the ground.

>Ventral: Pertaining to the abdomen, as opposed to dorsal.

>Vertical: Upright, as opposed to horizontal.</LI></UL>