Common Anatomical Terms and Planes

Common Anatomical Terms

• Caudal: Toward the tail end of the body.
• Cranial: Toward the head end of the body.
• Rostral: Toward the nose end of the head.
• Ventral: Toward the underside of the body.
• Dorsal: Toward the back or top of the body.
• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment or origin.
• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment or origin.
• Medial: Toward the midline of the body.
• Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.
• Adjacent: Next to or close to something else.
• Central: Located near the center of the body or structure
• Peripheral: Situated near the outer edge or surface.
• Oblique: At an angle.

Anatomical Planes

• Transverse plane: A horizontal plane that divides the body into cranial and caudal parts.
• Dorsal plane: Divides the body into right and left halves.
• Median plane: Divides the body into right and left halves down the middle.
• Sagittal plane: A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left sections.

Anatomical Definitions

• Abduction: Movement of a limb or part away from the midline of the body.
• Adduction: Movement of a limb or part towards the midline of the body.
• Deep: Situated away from the surface of the body or structure.
• Distal: Further away from a point of reference.
• Dorsal: Referring to the back of an animal or surface facing the spine.
• Extension: Straightening a joint.
• Flexion: Bending a joint.
• Lateral: Positioned away from the median plane (midline).
• Medial: Positioned towards the median plane (midline).
• Occlusal: The biting or chewing surface of teeth.
• Palmar: Situated on the undersurface of the front foot.
• Plantar: Situated on the undersurface of the rear foot.
• Proximal: Closer to a point of reference.
• Rostral: Located near the head.
• Superficial: Situated near the surface of the body or structure.
• Supine: Lying down on the back (dorsal recumbency).
• Ventral: Located on the underside or front of the body.

Recumbency Positions

• Dorsal recumbency: Lying on the back.
• Sternal or ventral recumbency: Lying on the belly.
• Lateral recumbency: Lying on one side.

Dental Terms

• Buccal: Toward the cheek.
• Lingual: Toward the tongue.
• Contact: Tooth surface that faces opposing or adjacent teeth.
• Mesial: Tooth surface facing toward the midline
• Occlusal: The chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Labial: Toward the lips/front of the mouth

Skeletal and Skull Types

• Dolichocephalic: Long and narrow skull.
• Mesocephalic: Medium-shaped skull.
• Brachycephalic: Short and wide skull.

Specific Structures

• Cephalic Vein: Located on front limbs.
• Jugular Vein: Located on the neck.
• Saphenous Vein: Located on the back legs/part of lower limb.
• Quick (nails): The sensitive portion of the nail that is visible as pink.
• Nail bed: The area of the foot beneath the nail.

Animal Specific Parts of the Body

• Withers: Area between the shoulder blades, upper back.
• Croup: The point at the base of the tail, back.
• Rump: The rear part of the animal's body above the tail.
• Tail: The animal's tail.
• Loin: Part of the back, between the ribs and the hips.
• Legs: Part of the body used for support and movement.
• Paws/Feet: The distal end of the limbs.
• Thorax: Chest area.
• Scapula: Shoulder blade.
• Rib: Ribs protecting the organs. .
• Humerus: Upper arm bone.
• Radius: Lower arm bone.
• Ulna: Lower arm bone.
• Carpus: Wrist joint.
• Metacarpus: Part of the forelimb.
• Phalange: Toe bones.
• Femur: Thigh bone.
• Tibia: Shin bone.
• Fibula: Part of the lower leg.
• Tarsus: Hocks/ Ankle joint.
• Metatarsus: Part of the lower limb.
• Cervical Vertebrae: Neck bones.
• Thoracic Vertebrae: Chest bones.
• Lumbar Vertebrae: Lower back bones.
• Sacrum: Part of the back end, near hips

Restraint

• Restraint techniques for various animal species.

Occlude

• Restrict or stop the flow of something. often used to describe restricting blood flow.

Test your knowledge on common anatomical terms and the various anatomical planes of the body. This quiz covers essential vocabulary used in anatomy, helping you understand different positions and orientations in the human body. Perfect for students learning basic anatomy concepts.