Introductory Anatomical Terms

• Erect / Supine (lying on back)
• Arms and legs adducted (close to the body)
• Head and feet facing forward (anterior)
• Palms supinated (palms facing upward)

• 1. Sagittal (Median)
• 2. Frontal (Coronal)
• 3. Transverse (Horizontal)

• Longitudinal plane that divides body into left and right halves (not necessarily equal halves)
• The mid-sagittal plane is divided into equal left and right halves
• Somersaults, front flips, and squats occur in the sagittal plane

• Vertical plane that divides body into anterior and posterior parts
• Cartwheels, jumping jacks, and lateral raises occur in the frontal plane

• Horizontal plane
• Perpendicular to both sagittal and frontal planes
• Divides the body into superior and inferior parts
• Trunk twists occur in the horizontal plane

To the top

Below

Front

Back

Toward the midline

Away from the midline

Nearer to the trunk

Away from the trunk

Face up

Face down

Superficial

Deep

Towards sole of foot

Top of foot

Toward surface (skin)

Palm of hand

Same side (right knee, right shoulder)

Opposite side (right knee, left knee)

Away from the trunk

Toward the trunk

Arm out to the side

Arm across the chest

Circular movement of joint (this can only occur at ball and socket joints like the hip and shoulder)

Top of foot moves toward tibia

Sole of foot moves downward (standing on toes is ankle plantarflexion)

Sole of foot moves outward

Sole of foot moves inward

Straightening; Increasing joint angle

Bending; Decreasing joint angle

Rotation on axis of bone; turning palms down

Rotation on axis of bone; turning palms up

Moving hand laterally (away from midline); occurs at the wrist

Moving hand medially (toward the midline); occurs at the wrist

Medial; rotation with axis of bone toward body (throwing a ball)

Lateral; rotation with axis of bone away from body (getting into position to throw a ball)

Occurs at trunk of neck; bending left or right (MUST specify the direction)

Moving scapula superiorly (shoulder shrug)

Moving scapula inferiorly

Moving scapula toward spine (like a cable row or going down into push-up position)

Moving scapula away from spine (like giving a "bear hug")

Mandible moving posteriorly

Mandible moving anteriorly

Elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth)

Lowering of the mandible (opening the mouth)