Definition of Anatomic orientation terms

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.