Ch.7.2 Body Planes, Direction and Cavities Key Terms

Ch.7.2 Body Planes, Direction and Cavities Key Terms

100

Body Planes

Imaginary lines drawn through the body to separate it into sections.

200

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) halves.

300

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sections.

400

Midsagittal (Median) Plane

A sagittal plane that runs directly down the midline and divides the body into equal right and left halves.

500

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

Ch.7.2 Body Planes, Direction and Cavities Key Terms

100

Anterior (Ventral)

Body parts on the front of the body or in front of the frontal plane.

200

Posterior (Dorsal)

Body parts on the back of the body or on the back of the frontal plane.

300

Superior

Body parts located above other parts (toward the head).

400

Inferior

Body parts located below other parts (toward the feet).

500

Cranial

Body parts located near the head (cephalic is often used interchangeably).

Ch.7.2 Body Planes, Direction and Cavities Key Terms

100

Caudal

Body parts located near the sacral region of the spinal column (the "tail").

200

Medial

Body parts close to the midline or sagittal plane.

300

Lateral

Body parts away from the midline or sagittal plane (toward the sides).

400

Proximal

Describes an extremity (arm or leg) location close to the point of reference (the main trunk of the body).

500

Distal

Describes an extremity (arm or leg) location distant from the point of reference (the main trunk of the body).

Ch.7.2 Body Planes, Direction and Cavities Key Terms

100

Located near the body surface (external).

Superficial

200

Deep

Located away from the body surface (internal).

300

Bilateral

Affecting both sides of the body.

400

Unilateral

Affecting only one side of the body.

500

Body Cavities

Spaces within the body that contain vital organs.

Ch.7.2 Body Planes, Direction and Cavities Key Terms

100

Dorsal Cavity

The long, continuous cavity located on the back of the body.

200

Cranial Cavity

The section of the dorsal cavity that contains the brain.

300

Spinal Cavity

The section of the dorsal cavity that contains the spinal cord.

400

Ventral Cavities

The larger cavities located on the front (anterior) of the body, separated by the diaphragm.

500

Thoracic Cavity

The upper ventral cavity located in the chest.