Key Words
abdominal cavity
The cavity that contains the stomach, small intestine, most of the large intestine, appendix, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.
body planes
Imaginary lines drawn through the body to divide it into sections.
deep
Body parts located away from the body surface.
lateral
Body parts away from the midline.
pelvic cavity
The lower abdominal cavity containing the urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and the last part of the large intestine.
abdominal regions
Areas used to divide the abdominal cavity into nine regions for more precise study.
buccal cavity
The cavity, or mouth, for the teeth and tongue.
distal
Body parts distant from the point of reference.
medial
Body parts close to the midline.
posterior
Body parts on the back of the body.
anterior
Body parts in front of the plane or on the front of the body.
caudal
Body parts located near the sacral region (“tail”).
dorsal
Body parts on the back side of the body.
midsagittal plane
A plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.
proximal
Body parts close to the point of reference.
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
The cavity for the nose structures.
sagittal plane
A plane that divides the body into right and left sections.
body cavities
Spaces within the body that contain vital organs.
cranial cavity
The cavity that contains the brain.
inferior
Body parts below other parts.
orbital cavity
The cavity for the eyes.
spinal cavity
The cavity that contains the spinal cord.