Body Planes and Directional Terms

Questions and Answers

What does 'medial' refer to?

In front of the body

Further away from the body's midline

Closer to the midline of the body (correct)

Behind the body

What does 'lateral' refer to?

At the front of the body

Further away from the body's midline (correct)

Nearer to the feet

Closer to the center of the body

What does 'proximal' mean?

Closer to the center of the body

What does 'distal' mean?

Further away from the center of the body Signup and view all the answers

What does 'anterior' refer to?

Structures in front Signup and view all the answers

What does 'posterior' refer to?

Structures behind Signup and view all the answers

What do 'cephalad' and 'cephalic' mean?

Towards the head Signup and view all the answers

What does 'caudad' mean?

Towards the tail or posterior Signup and view all the answers

What does 'superior' mean?

Above, or closer to the head Signup and view all the answers

What does 'inferior' mean?

Below, or closer to the feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the transverse plane?

Divides the body into upper and lower halves Signup and view all the answers

What is the sagittal plane?

Divides the body vertically into right and left sections Signup and view all the answers

What is the coronal plane?

Divides the body into front and back sections Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Body Planes and Terms of Direction

Medial: Refers to a position closer to the midline of the body; in anatomical position, the little finger is medial to the thumb.
Lateral: Indicates a position further from the midline; in anatomical position, the thumb is lateral to the little finger.
Proximal: Describes structures closer to the center of the body; for example, the hip is proximal to the knee.
Distal: Pertains to structures further away from the center; for example, the knee is distal to the hip.
Anterior: Refers to structures located in front of the body.
Posterior: Refers to structures located behind the body.
Cephalad/Cephalic: Adverbs meaning "towards the head"; "Cranial" is the corresponding adjective referring to the skull.
Caudad: An adverb meaning "towards the tail" or posterior; "caudal" is the related adjective referring to the hindquarters.
Superior: Indicates a position above; closer to the head.
Inferior: Indicates a position below; closer to the feet.

Anatomical Planes

Transverse Plane: Divides the body into upper and lower halves.
Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into right and left sections vertically.
Coronal Plane: Divides the body into front and back sections vertically.

Description

Test your knowledge on the various body planes and terms of direction in anatomy. This quiz covers essential concepts such as medial, lateral, proximal, and distal, among others. Understanding these terms is crucial for effective communication in the medical field.