Lesson 1.
2: Language of Anatomy, Anatomical Position, and Body Cavities
Anatomical Terms
Superior/Cranal: Towards the head of the body or located above in the XYZ axis. The clavicle
is superior compared to the sternum
Inferior/Caudal: Located beneath something or under something on the XYZ axis. The larynx is
inferior compared to the pharynx.
Ventral/Anterior: Towards the front of the body. The quad is anterior compared to the
hamstring.
Dorsal/Posterior: The gluteus maximus is posterior compared to the gluteus minimus
Medial: Towards the mid line, the rectum is more medial compared to the radius.
Lateral: Towards the outside. Opposite of medial, farther away from the body. The Ulan is distal
compared to the humerus.
Proximal: Closer to the trunk of the body or main trunk. Aka the torso. The femur is proximal to
the Fibula.
Distal: Opposite of proximal. The phalanges are distal compared to the ulna.
Superficial/ External: Towards the outside of the body
Deep/internal: Away from the body surface
Action Terms
Flexion: Closing of a joint, the angle of a joint shrinks, ex: the elbow flexs towards the humerus
Extension: Opening of a joint, extending the appendage out. The elbow extends outwards
away from the humerus
Abduction: Movement away from the midline, (Think add towards the middle and, abd way
from the middle)
Adduction: Movement toward the midline ( Think you add towards the middle)
Dorsiflexion: Flexing of the ankle upwards in a superior direction. Think dorsiflexion of the
ankle creates a dorsal fin shape with the ankle/feet
Plantarflexion: Flexing inferiorly, or in a downwards direction away from the main trunk of the
body. Think you have to plan your toes in order to sprint on your toes. Need plantarflexion not
dorsiflexion.
Radial Deviation: Lateral movement of the wrist towards the radius (Thumb side). Is also lateral
movement of the wrist aka moving wrist way from the midline. When the body is in an
anatomical position with the body facing outwards with the palms facing outside away from the
body.
Ulnar Flexion: Medial or midline flexing of the wrist towards the ulna otherwise known as the
midline side of the wrist when the body is anatomical position with the body facing outwards with
the palms facing outside away from the body.
Pronation: Rotation of the forearm so that the palm faces posteriorly or the rotation of the ankle
so the sole faces laterally. (Thinking prorating out or away from the midline, away from the body
as well as the forearm is a non anatomical position.)
Supination: Rotation of the forearm so that the palm faces anteriorly or in the anatomical view
of the human body. Also rotation of the ankle so that the faces medially or towards the midline.
(Think supinate inwards).
Elevation: Movement of the structure upwards, or superiorly you elevate your mandible. Your
elevate your mandible to crush your food.
Depression: Movement of the structure downwards or in an inferior direction, you depress your
mandible to get ready to crush your food.
Retraction: Movement of a structure in posterior direction, you retract your shoulder blades in
order to correct your posture.
Protraction: Movement of a structure in an anterior position or movement in a forward direction.
Most people who have bad posture have shoulder blades that are in a protracted position.
Anatomical Position: Radius and Ulna in a position in which they are faced outwards away, so
the radius and ulna are not crossed, Feet are shoulder width apart and the eyes are facing
forward and the spine is a neutral and retracted position. Becomes reference for medical
position.
Axial Skeleton: Consists of everything in the midline, which is your ribcage, spine and skull.
Appendicular Skeleton: Consist of everything else attached to the axial skeleton, including the
pelvis and hips.
Sagittal: Splits the body into two components, both left and right half sides. You can move up
and down the sagittal plane to dip your nut sucks lol
Frontal Plane or Coronal Plane: Corona makes you go sideways, just like the coronal plane
makes you go sideways.
Transversal Plane: Cuts you in half into two different planes both the upper and lower half
lines.
