Directional Terms
Horizontal line that divides the body into top half and bottom half
Transverse plane
Parts located on the front
Anterior
PERL
Pupils Equal and Responsive to Light
Ability to comprehend one's environment regarding time, place, situation, and identity of person
Orientation
Body part that is close to the reference point
Proximal
Imaginary line that divides the human body into right and left sides
Midsagittal plane
Parts located on the back
Posterior
HOPS
History Observation Palpation and Special Tests
State of unconsciousness or deep stupor
Coma
Location outside of the surface of body
External
Those parts located near the middle or center of the body
Medial
Body parts that are located below others
Inferior
How the injury occurred.
Mechanism of Injury
Cyanosis
Bluish tint to skin
Location inside the body
Internal
Those parts located near the outer sides of the body, away from center
Body parts that are located above others
Superior
Active Range of Motion
Movement of joint by muscle contraction.
Another name for Inhalation
Inspiration
Gray
Ashen
Uses an imaginary line to separate the body into front and back sections
Frontal or Coronal plane
Indicates that a body part lies distant to the original reference point
Distal
Swelling due to excess fluid in the tissue
Edema
Another name for expiration
Exhalation
Mosit
Clammty