Description of anatomy requires use of special terms that help in imparting correct meaning and position. In today’s article we discuss few of the important terms that are used frequently in musculoskeletal anatomy.
Terms Used for Describing the Position of the Body
Anatomical Position
In this position, the body is erect, the eyes look straight to the front, the upper limbs hand by the side of the trunk with the palms directed forwards, and the lower limbs are parallel with the toes pointing forwards. All structures are described presuming the body in anatomical position, although during study the body may be placed in any position.
Supine position
Lying down (recumbent) position with the face directed upwards.
Prone position
Lying down (recumbent) position with the face directed downwards.
Anatomical Planes
- Median or midsagittal plane divides the body into right and left halves.
- Sagittal plane: Any plane parallel to the median plane.
- Coronal or frontal plane: A vertical plane at right angles to the median plane.
- Transverse plane: A plane at right angles to a vertical plane, at right angles to the longitudinal axis of any part.
- Horizontal plane: A plane parallel to the horizon (ground).
- Oblique plane: Any plane other than the forementioned plans.
Terms of Relation
- Anterior: Towards the front.
- Posterior: Towards the back.
- Superior: Towards the head.
- Inferior: Towards the feet.
- Medial: Towards the median plane.
- Lateral: Away from the median plane.
Terms of Relation Commonly Used in Embryology and Comparative Anatomy
- Ventral: Towards the belly (like anterior)
- Dorsal: Towards the back (like posterior)
- Cranial or Rostral: Towards the head (like superior)
- Caudal: Towards the tail.
Special Terms for Limbs
- Proximal: Nearer to the trunk.
- Distal: Away from the trunk
- Radial: The outer border in the upper limb.
- Ulnar: The inner border in the upper limb.
- Tibial: The inner border in the lower limb.
- Fibular: The outer border in the lower limb.
- Preaxial border: The outer border in the upper limb, and inner border in the lower limb.
- Postaxial border: The inner border in the upper limb, and the outer border in the lower limb.
- Flexor surface: The anterior surface in the upper limb, and the posterior surface in the lower limb.
- Extensor surface: The posterior surface in the upper limb, and the anterior surface in the lower limb.
- Palmar or Volar – Pertaining to (towards) the palm of the hand.
- Plantar – Pertaining to (towards) the sole of the foot.
Terms used to indicate the side:
- Ipsilateral – of the same side
- Contralateral – of the opposite side.
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