medical terminology

vertical plane that passes through the midline of the body and divides the body or organ into equal right and left sides; also called midsagittal plane

plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions; also called coronal plane

plane that separates the  body into superior and inferior portions; also called transverse plane

contains the right lobe of the liver, the gallbladder, part of the pancreas, and part of the small and large instestine

contains part of the small and large intestine, the appendix, the right ovary, the right fallopian tube, and the right ureter

contaien the left lobe of the liver, the stomach, the spleen, part of the pancreas, and part of the small and large intestine

contains part of the small and large intestine, the left ovary, the left fallopian tube, and the left ureter

upper right region located under the cartilage of the ribs

upper left region located under the cartilage of the ribs

middle right region located near the waist

middle left region located near the waist

lower right region located near the groin (also called right inguinal region)

lower left region located near the groin (also called left inguinal region)

middle region located above the stomach

middle region located in the area of the umbilicus, or naval

lower middle region located below the stomach and umbilical region

patient is assissted into a kneeling position with the buttocks elevated.  The head and chest are on the table, and the arms are extended above the head and flexed at the elbow.  This position facilitates examination of the rectum.

patient is assisted into a supin (lying on the back) position.  The legs are sharply flexed at the knees, and the feet are placed in stirrups.  This position is used for vaginal examination and the Pap test.

patient is assisted into a supine position.  The legs are sharply flexed at the knees, and the feet are placed on the table.  This position is used to examine the vagina and rectum in the female and the rectum in the male.

patient is assisted into a side-lying postion on the left side.  The left arm is placed behind the body and the right arm is moved forward and lflexed at the elbow.  Both legs are flexed at the kneee, but the right leg is sharply flexed and positioned next to the left leg, which is slightly flexed.  This position is used to examine the vagina and rectum in the female and the rectum in the male.  Sims position is also used to administer an enema.

patient is assisted to lie flat on the abdomen with the head turned slightly to the side.  The arms are extended above the head or alongside the body.  Prone position is used to examine the back, spine, and lower extremities.

patient is assisted into a semi-sitting position.  The head of the examination table is tilted to produce a 45- to 60-degree anglw with patient's knees bent or not bent.  An angle of 45 degrees or more is considered high fowler position; an angle of approximately 30 degrees is considered semi-fowler position.  This position promotes lung expansion.  It is used if the patient has difficulty breathing.

patient is assisted to lie flat on their back with arms at the sides.  This position is used to examine the chest, heart, abdomen, and extremities.  It is also used to examine the head and neck as well as in certain neurologic reflex testing.