Anatomical Planes and Directional Terms

Horizontal plane dividing the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts. top/bottom

Transverse Plane

Vertical plane running from front to back, divides the body or any of its parts into right and left sides

Midsagittal (sagittal) Plane

a vertical plane running from side to side, Divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions. Front/Back

Frontal Plane

toward the mid-line of the body

Medial

Away from the mid-line of the body

Lateral

Nearest to a reference point or attachment

Proximal

Farthest away from a reference point or attachment

Distal

Below

Inferior

Above

Superior

Toward the head

Cephalad or Cranial

Toward the tailbone

Caudal or Caudad

Toward the front

Anterior or Ventral

Toward the back

Posterior or Dorsal

Prone

Lying face down

Supine

Lying face up

Anatomical Position

Standing erect with palms faced forward