Anatomical Planes and Directions

1. Anatomical Planes and Directions

2. Why So Many Difficult Words???

3. Anatomical Position • Definition: A reference position that gives meaning to the directional terms used to describe the body parts and regions • The body is in a standing posture with the arms at the sides, palms turned forward, feet together and pointed forward, and head pointed forward

4. Midline • Definition: A reference line extending down the middle of the body, encompassing the vertebral column, spinal cord, and naval

5. Body Planes • Used to cut the body into smaller sections in order to facilitate study of body cavities, organs, systems, etc. • Especially useful in medical imaging studies

6. Median Plane • Definition: The midline, longitudinal plane dividing the head and torso into equal right and left halves • The middle sagittal plane • Encompasses the vertebral column and spinal cord

7. Sagittal Plane • Definition: The longitudinal plane dividing the body into left and right parts • Parallel to the median plane and may be applied to the head, torso, and limbs • Not limited to the midline

8. Frontal (Coronal) Plane • Definition: The longitudinal plane dividing the body into equal or unequal front and back parts • The term “coronal” is used by radiologists in reference to MRIs and CT scans

9. Transverse Plane • Definition:The horizontal plane that divides the body or body parts into upper and lower segments • A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal planes

10. Craft Time!!!!! • Construct a plane model • No, not a paper airplane… • A 3-D model of the body planes, like this: • Color-code it and label it to help you identify the planes

12. Left • Definition: To the left side of the midline • References the subject’s left, not your left • Example: The stomach is to the left of the liver

13. Right • Definition: To the right side of the body or structure being studied • Example: The right lung is bigger than the left lung

14. Lateral • Definition: Toward the side; away from the midline • Example: The eyes are lateral to the nose

15. Medial • Definition: Toward the midline: away from the side • Example: The eyes are medial to the ears

16. Anterior • Definition: Toward the front of the body • Example: The nose is on the anterior side of the head

17. Posterior • Definition: Toward the back of the body • Example: A mullet is long on the posterior side of the body

18. Superior • Definition: Toward the top of the body • Example: The shoulders are superior to the hips

19. Inferior • Definition: Toward the bottom of the body • Example: The liver is inferior to the heart

20. Dorsal • Definition: Along (or toward) the vertebral surface of the body • Example: The SI joints are on the dorsal surface

21. Ventral • Definition: Along (toward) the belly surface of the body • Example: The naval is on the ventral surface

22. Caudal • Definition: Toward the tail • Example: The neck is caudal to the skull

23. Cephalad • Definition: Toward the head • Example: The neck is cephalad to the tail

24. Proximal • Definition: Toward the trunk • Describes relative position in a limb or other appendage • Example: The joint is proximal to the toenail

25. Distal • Definition: Away from the trunk or point of attachment • Example: The hand is distal to the elbow

26. Visceral • Definition: Toward an internal organ; away from the outer wall • Describes positions inside a body cavity • Example: The organ is lined with the visceral layer of the membrane

27. Parietal • Definition: Toward the wall; away from internal structures • Example: The abdominal cavity is lined with the parietal peritoneal membrane

28. Deep • Definition: Toward the inside of a part; away from the surface • Example: The thigh muscles are deep to the skin

29. Superficial • Definition: Toward the surface of a part; away from the inside • Example: The skin is a superficial organ

30. Medullary • Definition: Refers to an inner region, or medulla • Example: The medullary cavity is where bone marrow is produced

31. Cortical • Definition: Refers to the outer region, or cortex • Example: Cortical bone covers the external surface of the bone

32. Intrinsic Definition: Inherent or inside Example: The lumbricals are intrinsic hand muscles Example: An intrinsic motivation is doing something because it makes you happy

33. Extrinsic Definition: Outer or from the outside Example: The thumb flexor muscle is an extrinsic hand muscle Example: An extrinsic motivation for doing something is monetary compensation

34. Valgus Definition: An angulation outward and away from the midline of the body, as exhibited by the distal segment of the bone or joint Example: Someone who is knock-kneed has valgus of the ankles

35. Varus Definition: An angulation inward and toward the midline of the body, as exhibited by the distal segment of the bone or joint Example: Someone who is bow-legged has varus of the ankles

36. Ipsilateral • Definition: Situated on or affecting the same side of the body • Example: The right eye and the right ear are ipsilateral body parts

37. Contralateral • Definition: Situated on or affecting the opposite side of the body • Example: The eyes are on contralateral sides of the head