Download - Anatomical Planes and Directions
Anatomical Position Definition: A reference
position that gives meaning to the directional terms used to describe the body parts and regions
The body is in a standing posture with the arms at the sides, palms turned forward, feet together and pointed forward, and head pointed forward
Midline Definition: A reference
line extending down the middle of the body, encompassing the vertebral column, spinal cord, and naval
Used to cut the body into smaller sections in order to facilitate study of body cavities, organs, systems, etc.
Especially useful in medical imaging studies
Body Planes
Median Plane Definition: The
midline, longitudinal plane dividing the head and torso into equal right and left halves
The middle sagittal plane
Encompasses the vertebral column and spinal cord
Sagittal Plane Definition: The
longitudinal plane dividing the body into left and right parts
Parallel to the median plane and may be applied to the head, torso, and limbs
Not limited to the midline
Frontal (Coronal) Plane Definition: The
longitudinal plane dividing the body into equal or unequal front and back parts
The term “coronal” is used by radiologists in reference to MRIs and CT scans
Transverse Plane Definition: The
horizontal plane that divides the body or body parts into upper and lower segments
A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal planes
Craft Time!!!!! Construct a plane
model◦ No, not a paper
airplane… A 3-D model of the
body planes, like this:◦ Color-code it and label it
to help you identify the planes
Left Definition: To the left
side of the midline References the
subject’s left, not your left
Example: The stomach is to the left of the liver
Right Definition: To the right
side of the body or structure being studied
Example: The right lung is bigger than the left lung
Lateral Definition: Toward the
side; away from the midline
Example: The eyes are lateral to the nose
Anterior Definition: Toward the
front of the body Example: The nose is
on the anterior side of the head
Posterior Definition: Toward the
back of the body Example: A mullet is
long on the posterior side of the body
Dorsal Definition: Along (or
toward) the vertebral surface of the body
Example: The SI joints are on the dorsal surface
Ventral Definition: Along
(toward) the belly surface of the body
Example: The naval is on the ventral surface
Proximal Definition: Toward the
trunk Describes relative
position in a limb or other appendage
Example: The joint is proximal to the toenail
Distal Definition: Away from
the trunk or point of attachment
Example: The hand is distal to the elbow
Visceral Definition: Toward an
internal organ; away from the outer wall
Describes positions inside a body cavity
Example: The organ is lined with the visceral layer of the membrane
Parietal Definition: Toward the
wall; away from internal structures
Example: The abdominal cavity is lined with the parietal peritoneal membrane
Deep Definition: Toward the
inside of a part; away from the surface
Example: The thigh muscles are deep to the skin
Superficial Definition: Toward the
surface of a part; away from the inside
Example: The skin is a superficial organ
Medullary Definition: Refers to
an inner region, or medulla
Example: The medullary cavity is where bone marrow is produced
Cortical Definition: Refers to
the outer region, or cortex
Example: Cortical bone covers the external surface of the bone
Intrinsic
Definition: Inherent or insideExample: The lumbricals are intrinsic hand musclesExample: An intrinsic motivation is doing something because it makes you happy
Extrinsic
Definition: Outer or from the outsideExample: The thumb flexor muscle is an extrinsic hand muscleExample: An extrinsic motivation for doing something is monetary compensation
Valgus
Definition: An angulation outward and away from the midline of the body, as exhibited by the distal segment of the bone or jointExample: Someone who is knock-kneed has valgus of the ankles
Varus
Definition: An angulation inward and toward the midline of the body, as exhibited by the distal segment of the bone or jointExample: Someone who is bow-legged has varus of the ankles
Ipsilateral Definition: Situated
on or affecting the same side of the body
Example: The right eye and the right ear are ipsilateral body parts