Ch.7.2 Body Planes, Direction and Cavities Key Terms
Body Planes
Imaginary lines drawn through the body to separate it into sections.
Anterior (Ventral)
Body parts on the front of the body or in front of the frontal plane.
Caudal
Body parts located near the sacral region of the spinal column (the "tail").
Located near the body surface (external).
Superficial
Dorsal Cavity
The long, continuous cavity located on the back of the body.
Transverse Plane
A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) halves.
Posterior (Dorsal)
Body parts on the back of the body or on the back of the frontal plane.
Medial
Body parts close to the midline or sagittal plane.
Deep
Located away from the body surface (internal).
Cranial Cavity
The section of the dorsal cavity that contains the brain.
Sagittal Plane
A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sections.
Superior
Body parts located above other parts (toward the head).
Lateral
Body parts away from the midline or sagittal plane (toward the sides).
Bilateral
Affecting both sides of the body.
Spinal Cavity
The section of the dorsal cavity that contains the spinal cord.
Midsagittal (Median) Plane
A sagittal plane that runs directly down the midline and divides the body into equal right and left halves.
Inferior
Body parts located below other parts (toward the feet).
Proximal
Describes an extremity (arm or leg) location close to the point of reference (the main trunk of the body).
Unilateral
Affecting only one side of the body.
Ventral Cavities
The larger cavities located on the front (anterior) of the body, separated by the diaphragm.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane
A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Cranial
Body parts located near the head (cephalic is often used interchangeably).
Distal
Describes an extremity (arm or leg) location distant from the point of reference (the main trunk of the body).
Body Cavities
Spaces within the body that contain vital organs.
Thoracic Cavity
The upper ventral cavity located in the chest.