Terminology
Musculoskeletal Terms
Planes
Open/Closed Chains
100

Any push or pull of matter

Force


100

Fixed attachment that moves the least and is usually proximal

Origin

100

This plane is also called the coronal plane and divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. Abduction and adduction occur in this plane

Frontal

100


Closed Chain

200

opposite side of body

contralateral


200

Component of bone that protrudes beneath the skin

Bony landmark

200

This plane divides the body into right and left sides 

Sagittal
200


Open Chain

300

Pushing

Compressive Force

300

Use of physical touch to identify structures

Palpitation 

300

Dorsiflexion/plantar flexion occur in this plane.

Sagittal

300


Open Chain

400

The study of anatomy and mechanics in relation to human movement

Kinesiology

400

Move movable attachment that is usually distal

Insertion

400

This plane divides the body into inferior and superior portions. Rotary movements occur

Transverse

400


Closed Chain

500

Pulling

Tensile Force

500

Features that are palpable or visible on surface of skin

Surface Anatomy

500

Hip abduction and adduction occur in this plane

Frontal Plane

500


Closed Chain

600

beneath or toward the tail/below

caudal/inferior

600

Relative position of forearm and wrist, and hand

Radial/ulnar

600

Horizontal Abduction/Adduction occur in this plane

Transverse Plane

600


Closed Chain

700

direction of the skull/above

cranial/superior

700

Relative to the position of the trunk

Proximal/distal

700

Shoulder flexion occurs in this plane

Sagittal

700


Open Chain