Terms of Orientation and Direction Quiz (May 16th)

median plane

definition: a vertical plane through the middle of the body, reaching the surface in front and behind
function: divides the body into symmetrical halves

sagittal plane

other vertical planes parallel to the median plane

coronal plane

a vertical plane directed from side to side at right angles to the median plane

horizontal plane

any plane at right angles to the vertical planes

anterior or ventral

front of the body

posterior or dorsal

back of the body

medial

middle of the body

lateral

farther from the median plane

superior

near the head

inferior

near the feet

superficial

near the surface of the body

deep

farther from the body surface

proximal

near the trunk of the body or to an attached end

distal

farther from the trunk of the body or farther from an attached end

internal or external

terms usually used for describing bony cavities or hollow organs