Anatomical Terminology (1.1)
Transverse
A horizontal field dividing the body into upper and lower portions (superior and anterior).
Coronal
A vertical body plane that divides the body into front and back sections (anterior and posterior).
Sagittal
Divides the body into left and right sides, though not in the middle.
Distal
Refers to a structure of the upper or lower limb that is farther away from the root of the limb than another.
Medial
Refers to one structure being closer to the median sagittal plane than another.
Lateral
Refers to one structure being farther from the median sagittal plane that another.
Pronation
Rotary movement of the forearm so that the palm of the hand faces posteriorly (in extension) or inferiorly (in flexion).
Plantar
The bottom, or ventral surface (sole), of the foot or toes.
Palmar
The ventral surface (palm) of the hand or fingers.
Inversion
Turning the sole of the foot inwardly to face towards the midline.
Medial Sagittal
Divides the body or organ vertically into equal right and left parts.
Abduction
Movement of an appendage away from the median sagittal plane.
Circumduction
Movement of an appendage in the circular or cone-shaped path. (involves abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension)
Adduction
Movement of an appendage toward the median sagittal plane.
Plantarflexion
Movement of the foot at the ankle so that the ball of the foot moves inferiorly, as when you stand on your toes.
Dorsiflexion
Movement of the foot at the ankle so that the ball of the foot moves superiorly, as when you stand on your heels.
Opposition
Movement of the thumb to touch a fingertip. This involves abduction, flexion and medial rotation of the thumb.
Flexion
Movement that decreases the angle between two parts. Usually a movement to a more anterior location from anatomical positions.
Extension
Movement that increases the angle between two parts. Usually a movement to a more posterior location from anatomical position.
Proximal
Refers to a structure of the upper limb or lower limb that is closer to the root (attachment) of the limb than the other.
Supination
Rotary movement of the forearm so that the palm faces anteriorly (in extension) or superiorly (in flexion).
Eversion
Turning the sole of the foot outward to face away from the midline.