This directional term means "above" or "toward the head."
Superior
The dense, hard outer layer of bone that provides strength.
Compact Bone
A joint that moves in only one plane, like a door (e.g., the elbow).
Hinge Joint
This plane passes through the body from front to back, dividing it into right and left sections.
Sagittal Plane
This movement involves bending a joint so that the angle between the bones decreases, such as bringing your forearm toward your bicep.
Flexion
A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right halves.
Sagittal Plane
The ends of a long bone, usually filled with spongy bone.
Epiphysis
This fluid acts as a lubricant inside "freely movable" joints.
Synovial Fluid
This plane passes through the middle of the body, separating it into upper and lower halves.
Transverse (Horizontal) Plane
This term describes moving a limb toward the midline of the body.
Adduction
The body region referring specifically to the lower back.
Lumbar
The fibrous membrane that covers the outside of a bone.
Periosteum
A joint where one bone has a "head" that fits into a "cup" of another (e.g., hip).
Ball and Socket Joint
Also known as the coronal plane, this line of division separates the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Frontal Plane
This specific type of rotation occurs at the forearm, turning the palm downward or posteriorly so the radius and ulna cross.
Pronation
This term describes being closer to the surface of the skin.
Superficial
These specialized cells "eat" or break down old bone tissue.
Osteoclasts
Movement that pulls a limb away from the midline of the body.
Abduction
This specific type of sagittal plane runs directly through the midline, dividing the body into equal left and right halves. |
Midsagittal Plane
This complex, circular movement combines flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction so that the outer end of the limb traces a circle.
Circumduction
The cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord.
Dorsal Cavity
The process of bone formation from cartilage or membranes.
Ossification
A semi-movable joint where bones are joined by cartilage (e.g., ribs to sternum).
Amphiarthrotic (or Cartilaginous) Joint
This type of plane or section is unique because it passes through the body or an organ at an angle (anything other than a 90-degree angle).
Oblique Plane
This unique movement of the foot involves turning the sole inward so that it faces the midline of the body.
Inversion