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Pos. & Direct. Terms
Positional and Directional Terms
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Anatomical Position | standing, facing towards you, hands at side, and palms toward you |
Midsagittal | divides body into equal right and left sides |
Sagittal | divides body into unequal right and left sides |
Frontal | divides body into front and back portions |
Transverse | divides body into upper and lower portions |
Superior | upper, towards head |
Inferior | lower, towards feet |
Ventral | front or belly side |
Cephalic | towards the head |
Anterior | towards the front |
Posterior | towards the back |
Dorsal | back of body or organ |
Caudal | towards lower part of body |
Medial | near the midline |
Lateral | away from the midline |
Proximal | near the midline or beginning of a structure |
Distal | farthest from the midline or beginning of a structure |
Flexion | to bend or decrease the angle at a joint |
Extension | to straighten or increase the angle at a joint |
Abduction | to take away from the midline or body |
Adduction | to bring back to or add back to the midline or center of the body |
Supination | palms are up |
Pronation | palms are down |
Plantarflexion | to point toes to the floor or stand on tiptoes |
Dorsiflexion | stand or balance on heels, toes up and off the ground |