Ch. 7.2 Body Planes, Directions and Cavities
abdominal cavity
The upper part of the abdominopelvic cavity containing the stomach, small intestine, most of the large intestine, appendix, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.
body planes
Imaginary lines drawn through the body at various parts to separate the body into sections.
deep
Structures that are located away from the body surface (internal).
lateral
Body parts away from the midline (or sagittal plane).
pelvic cavity
The lower abdominal cavity, containing the urinary bladder, the reproductive organs, and the last part of the large intestine.
abdominal regions
Divisions or sections of the abdominal cavity used for more precise location (e.g., quadrants or the nine regions).
buccal cavity
Small cavity, or mouth, for the teeth and tongue.
distal
Body parts distant from the point of reference (the main trunk of the body). (Used for extremities).
medial
Body parts close to the midline (or sagittal plane).
posterior
Body parts on the back of the body or on the back of the frontal plane. (Used interchangeably with dorsal).
anterior
Body parts in front of the frontal plane, or on the front of the body. (Used interchangeably with ventral).
caudal
Body parts located near the sacral region of the spinal column (also known as the "tail").
dorsal
Body parts on the back of the body or on the back of the frontal plane. (Used interchangeably with posterior).
midsagittal (median) plane
A sagittal plane that runs down the midline of the body and divides the body into equal halves.
proximal
Body parts close to the point of reference (the main trunk of the body). (Used for extremities).
bilateral
Conditions that affect both sides of the body.
cranial
Body parts located near the head.
frontal (coronal) plane
A plane that divides the body into a front section and a back section.
nasal cavity
Small cavity for the nose structures.
sagittal plane
A plane that divides the body into left and right sections.
body cavities
Spaces within the body that contain vital organs.
cranial cavity
The section of the dorsal cavity, which contains the brain.
inferior
Body parts below other parts (related to the transverse plane).
orbital cavity
Small cavity for the eyes.
spinal cavity
The section of the dorsal cavity, which contains the spinal cord.