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Anatomic Orientation Terms
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Definition
In anatomy, certain terms are used to denote orientation. For example, a structure may be horizontal, as opposed to vertical.Anatomic orientation terms: In anatomy, certain terms are used to denote orientation. For example, a structure may be horizontal, as opposed to vertical.Some of the terms of anatomic orientation are as follows:Anterior: The front, as opposed to the posterior. Anteroposterior: From front to back, as opposed to posteroanterior. Caudad: Toward the feet (or tail in embryology), as opposed to cranial. Caudal: Pertaining to, situated in, or toward the tail or the hind part. Or below another structure.Cranial: Toward the head, as opposed to caudad. Deep: Away from the exterior surface or further into the body, as opposed to superficial. Distal: Further from the beginning, as opposed to proximal. Dorsal: The back, as opposed to ventral. Horizontal: Parallel to the floor, a plane passing through the standing body parallel to the floor.Inferior: Below, as opposed to superior. Inferolateral: Below and to one side. Both inferior and lateral.Lateral: Toward the left or right side of the body, as opposed to medial. Medial: In the middle or inside, as opposed to lateral. Posterior: The back or behind, as opposed to the anterior. Posteroanterior: From back to front, as opposed to anteroposterior. Pronation: Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm is down (and the corresponding movement of the foot and leg with the sole down), as opposed to supination. Prone: With the front or ventral surface downward (lying face down), as opposed to supine. Proximal: Toward the beginning, as opposed to distal. Sagittal: A vertical plane passing through the standing body from front to back. The mid-sagittal, or median plane, splits the body into left and right halves.Superficial: On the surface or shallow, as opposed to deep. Superior: Above, as opposed to inferior. Supination: Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm is upward (and the corresponding movement of the foot and leg), as opposed to pronation. Supine: With the back or dorsal surface downward (lying face up), as opposed to prone. Transverse: A horizontal plane passing through the standing body parallel to the ground. Ventral: Pertaining to the abdomen, as opposed to dorsal. Vertical: Upright, as opposed to horizontal.