Anatomical Terminology
To describe the body precisely, anatomy uses a shared set of terms. This is the map and compass for everything else.
The standard starting position
Section titled “The standard starting position”All terms assume the anatomical position: standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms forward. Directions are always given relative to this pose, no matter how the body is actually arranged.
Directional terms
Section titled “Directional terms”- Superior / inferior — above / below.
- Anterior / posterior — front / back.
- Medial / lateral — toward the midline / away from it.
- Proximal / distal — closer to / farther from the point of attachment (used for limbs).
- Superficial / deep — nearer the surface / farther in.
Planes and cavities
Section titled “Planes and cavities”- Planes — imaginary slices through the body: sagittal (left/right), frontal (front/back), transverse (top/bottom).
- Body cavities — enclosed spaces housing organs: the cranial cavity, thoracic cavity, and abdominopelvic cavity.
Why it matters
Section titled “Why it matters”This vocabulary removes ambiguity. “The wound is on the leg” is vague; “on the anterior, distal left leg” is exact.