Basic Anatomy Terminology

Question 1

Human Gross Anatomy

Answer 1

Refers to macroscopic anatomy. Study of structure and organization.

Question 2

Anatomical Position

Answer 2

• Globally accepted
• Upright, looking forward, feet flat/parallel
• Arms to side with palms facing anteriorly (forearms supinated)

Question 3

Coronal Plane

Answer 3

• “Frontal Plane”
• Divides into anterior/posterior parts

Question 4

Mid-Sagittal Plane

Answer 4

• “Medial Plane”
• Equal left/right halves

Question 5

Sagittal Plane

Answer 5

• Unequal left/right parts

Question 6

Transverse Plane

Answer 6

• “Horizontal Plane”
• “Cross Section”
• “Axial Plane”
• Plane that is at right angles to both the sagittal and coronal planes
• Divides into superior and inferior portions

Question 7

Flexion

Answer 7

Decreasing the angle at a joint (usually an anterior movement)

Question 8

Extension

Answer 8

Increasing the angle at a joint (usually posterior movement)

Question 9

Dorsiflexion

Answer 9

Refers to flexion at the ankle joint

Question 10

Plantarflexion

Answer 10

Refers to extension of the ankle joint

Question 11

ABduction

Answer 11

Away from midline

Question 12

ADduction

Answer 12

toward midline

Question 13

Circumduction

Answer 13

Circular movement involving sequential flexion, aBduction, extension and aDduction

Question 14

Rotation

Answer 14

turning part of body around longitudinal axis

Question 15

Medial Rotation

Answer 15

turning anterior surface of limb toward midline of body

Question 16

Lateral Rotation

Answer 16

turning anterior surface of limb away from midline of the body

Question 17

Supination

Answer 17

palm anteriorly (forearm movement)

Question 18

Pronation

Answer 18

palm faced posteriorly (forearm movement)

Question 19

Inversion

Answer 19

sole toward midline (foot movement)

Question 20

Eversion

Answer 20

sole away from midline (foot movement)