If the anatomical position is placed face-down, it is in the prone position. If the anatomical position is placed face-up, it is in the supine position.
Like you use the cardinal directions to explain the location of certain regions north, northwest, southeast, etc. An imaginary vertical line that divides the body equally right down the middle. In many instances, these terms can be paired. For example, a posterosuperior view combines the posterior and superior, giving us a view in which we are looking down at the back of the body, like so:.
With me so far? And there you have it: a crash course in anatomical position and directional terms. Curious about planes and cavities? Check out part two of this post! Or is it at the base of the hand? Is it on the palm-side or back-side? By using precise anatomical terminology, we eliminate ambiguity. Anatomical terms derive from ancient Greek and Latin words.
Because these languages are no longer used in everyday conversation, the meaning of their words does not change. Anatomical terms are made up of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. The root of a term often refers to an organ, tissue, or condition, whereas the prefix or suffix often describes the root.
To further increase precision, anatomists standardize the way in which they view the body. The upper limbs are held out to each side, and the palms of the hands face forward as illustrated in Figure 1. Using this standard position reduces confusion. It does not matter how the body being described is oriented, the terms are used as if it is in anatomical position.
A body that is lying down is described as either prone or supine. Prone describes a face-down orientation, and supine describes a face up orientation. These terms are sometimes used in describing the position of the body during specific physical examinations or surgical procedures. Certain directional anatomical terms appear throughout this and any other anatomy textbook Figure 1.
These terms are essential for describing the relative locations of different body structures. Commit these terms to memory to avoid confusion when you are studying or describing the locations of particular body parts. A section is a two-dimensional surface of a three-dimensional structure that has been cut. We call these scans. Figure 1. The regions of the body are labeled in boldface. Directional Terms Certain directional anatomical terms appear throughout this and any other anatomy textbook Figure 1.
Anterior or ventral describes the front or direction toward the front of the body. The toes are anterior to the foot. Posterior or dorsal describes the back or direction toward the back of the body. The popliteus is posterior to the patella. Superior or cranial describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. The orbits are superior to the oris.
Inferior or caudal describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column. The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen. Lateral describes the side or direction toward the side of the body. The thumb pollex is lateral to the digits. Medial describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body. The hallux is the medial toe.
Proximal describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The brachium is proximal to the antebrachium. Superior or cranial - toward the head end of the body; upper example, the hand is part of the superior extremity.
Inferior or caudal - away from the head; lower example, the foot is part of the inferior extremity. Anterior or ventral - front example, the kneecap is located on the anterior side of the leg. Posterior or dorsal - back example, the shoulder blades are located on the posterior side of the body. Medial - toward the midline of the body example, the middle toe is located at the medial side of the foot. Lateral - away from the midline of the body example, the little toe is located at the lateral side of the foot.
Proximal - toward or nearest the trunk or the point of origin of a part example, the proximal end of the femur joins with the pelvic bone.
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