What are the directional terms used in anatomy and physiology?

Anatomical Directional Terms

• Anterior: In front of, front.
• Posterior: After, behind, following, toward the rear.
• Distal: Away from, farther from the origin.
• Proximal: Near, closer to the origin.
• Dorsal: Near the upper surface, toward the back.
• Ventral: Toward the bottom, toward the belly.
• Superior: Above, over.

What are the anatomical directions of the body?

Up, Down, Side-to-Side: Directional Terms

Anterior	At or near the front of the body (front view)
Posterior	At or near the back of the body (back view)
Midline	An imaginary vertical line that divides the body equally (right down the middle)
Lateral	Farther from midline (side view)
Medial	Nearer to midline (side view)

What is the orientation of anatomical position?

standing upright
Anatomical position, or standard anatomical position, refers to the positioning of the body when it is standing upright and facing forward with each arm hanging on either side of the body, and the palms facing forward. The legs are parallel, with feet flat on the floor and facing forward.

What are the 4 anatomical positions?

1.6 Planes of Reference and Directional Terms All definitions provided here assume that the human skeleton is in standard anatomical position, that is, standing erect, looking forward, with the feet close and parallel to each other, the arms at the sides, and the palms facing forward (Fig. 1.6. 1).

What is directional term?

Directional terms describe the positions of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body. Superior or cranial – toward the head end of the body; upper (example, the hand is part of the superior extremity).

Which of the following orientation and directional terms have the same meaning in humans?

B) distal. Which of the following orientation and directional terms have the same meaning (in humans): A) anterior and dorsal.

Why is it important to learn anatomical position and directional terms?

Understanding terminology ensures doctors and technicians have a shared method of communicating, which helps to avoid confusion when pinpointing structures and describing locations of lesions. Knowing your directional terms makes things clear and saves time!

What are the 7 anatomical parts?

Anatomical regions The entire human body is divided into regions, an approach called regional anatomy. Each main area (head, neck, thorax, abdomen, upper, and lower extremities) are divided into several smaller regions that aid compartmentalization.

What are orientation terms?

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.

Which orientation and directional term means toward the midline of the body?

Medial
Medial – toward the midline of the body (example, the middle toe is located at the medial side of the foot).