SN7
SHORT NOTE
5M
Describe the anatomical position, the planes of the body and the terms of movement.
Definition
The anatomical position is the standard reference posture: the body erect, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms facing anteriorly, feet together with toes pointing forward.
- All anatomical descriptions assume this position, whatever the actual posture of the patient — so the thumb is lateral and the little finger medial
Planes of the Body
| Plane | Description |
|---|---|
| Sagittal (median) | Vertical, divides into right and left; the median plane passes through the midline, paramedian planes parallel to it |
| Coronal (frontal) | Vertical, at right angles to sagittal; divides into anterior and posterior |
| Transverse (horizontal, axial) | Divides into upper and lower; the plane of CT and MRI images |
| Oblique | Any plane not at right angles to the above |
Terms of Position and Direction
| Term | Meaning | Term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior (cranial) | Toward the head | Inferior (caudal) | Toward the feet |
| Anterior (ventral) | Toward the front | Posterior (dorsal) | Toward the back |
| Medial | Toward the median plane | Lateral | Away from it |
| Proximal | Nearer the trunk or origin | Distal | Farther from it |
| Superficial | Nearer the surface | Deep | Farther from the surface |
| Ipsilateral | Same side | Contralateral | Opposite side |
| Palmar / plantar | Front of hand / sole of foot | Dorsal | Back of hand / top of foot |
Terms of Movement
| Movement | Definition | Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Flexion | Decreasing the angle between two parts | Sagittal |
| Extension | Increasing the angle | Sagittal |
| Abduction | Movement away from the median plane | Coronal |
| Adduction | Movement toward the median plane | Coronal |
| Rotation | Movement about the long axis | Transverse |
| Circumduction | A combination describing a cone | All |
| Pronation / supination | Rotation of the forearm; palm backward / forward | Transverse |
| Inversion / eversion | Sole turned inward / outward | Foot |
| Protraction / retraction | Forward / backward, as of the scapula | — |
| Opposition | Thumb pad to the pad of another digit | Unique to the thumb |
- Abduction of the fingers is with reference to the middle finger; of the toes, to the second toe
- Flexion of the knee moves the leg posteriorly — an apparent exception explained by the rotation of the limb bud in development
Regional and Surface Terms
- Axial skeleton — skull, vertebrae, ribs, sternum; appendicular — limbs and girdles
Applied Aspects
- Precise terminology prevents error — "the lateral side of the right leg" is unambiguous where "the outer side" is not
All questions in General Anatomy & Osteology
- Q1Classify bones with examples. Describe the parts of a long bone and its blood supply. Add a note on the types of epiphysis. ★
- Q2Classify joints with examples. Describe the structure of a synovial joint and add a note on Hilton's law. ★
- Q3Classify skeletal muscle according to shape and action. Describe its nerve supply and add a note on the functional groups of muscles. ★
- Q4Describe the types of blood vessels. Define anastomosis and end artery with examples, and add a note on portosystemic anastomoses. ★
- Q5Describe the structure of skin and fascia. Add a note on the lymphatic system and the thoracic duct. ★
- SN1Describe the epiphyseal plate with its zones. Add a note on the Salter–Harris classification. ★
- SN2Classify cartilage with its sites and features. Add a note on articular cartilage. ★
- SN3Describe the structure and types of a synovial joint. Add a note on synovial fluid. ★
- SN4Define end artery. Give its types with examples and the consequences of its occlusion. ★
- SN5Describe the types of ossification with examples. Add a note on the cells of bone. ★
- SN6Describe the deep fascia with its modifications and functions. Add a note on compartment syndrome. ★
- SN7Describe the anatomical position, the planes of the body and the terms of movement.