Anatomical Planes of the Body
Medical professionals often refer to sections of the body in terms of anatomical planes (flat surfaces). These planes are imaginary lines – vertical or horizontal – drawn through an upright body. The terms are used to describe a specific body part.
Listed below are general anatomical terms and their meanings.
| Anatomical Planes | |
|---|---|
| Coronal Plane or Frontal Plane | |
| Sagittal Plane or Lateral Plane | |
| Axial Plane or Transverse Plane | |
| Anatomical Terms | Direction |
| Medial | Toward the midline of the body |
| Lateral | Away from the midline of the body |
| Proximal | Toward a reference point (extremity) |
| Distal | Away from a reference point (extremity) |
| Inferior | Lower or below |
| Superior | Upper or above |
| Cephalad or Cranial | Head |
| Caudal or Caudad | Tail, tail end |
| Anterior | Toward the front |
| Posterior | Toward the back |
| Dorsal | Posterior |
| Ventral | Anterior |
Posted on: June 6th, 2001
Last Updated on: February 1st, 2010
Last Updated on: February 1st, 2010
Peer Reviews by Leading Specialists
What is this?
Understanding the terminology associated with spinal problems is very important
as health care providers discuss the problems and the solutions for the spinal
disorder with patients and families. This article helps clarify a difficult topic.
