Anatomical Terms I
To be situated toward the upper part or head of the body
Superior
Between two other structures
Intermediate
Toward or nearest the trunk or the point of origin of a part
Proximal
On both sides
Bilateral
Moving a body part away from the midline
Abduction
Refers to the head end
Cranial
To be situated near or toward the front of the body
Anterior
On one side
Unilateral
Near the outer surface of the body
Superficial
Rotating the arm/forearm laterally
Supination
To be closer to the midline of the body
Medial
Refers to the tail end
Caudal
To be situated toward the back of the body
Posterior
Divides the body into equal halves
Midsagittal/Median Plane
Moving forward on plane parallel to the ground
Protraction
Away from or farthest from the trunk or the point of origin of a part
Distal
To be farther away, in the direction of either side, from the midline of the body or a structure
Lateral
Divides the body into right and left parts
Saggittal Plane
Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts
Frontal/Coronal Plane
Movement of sole of foot outward
Eversion
Further away from the surface of the body
Deep
To be situated toward the lower part of the body
Inferior
Away from or farthest from the trunk or the point of origin of a part
Divides the body into upper and lower parts
Transverse plane
Reduces the angle between the back of the leg and the sole
Plantar Flexion