Directional Terms, Planes, and Body Regions - Anatomy and Physiology
- Using directional terms, how is the sternum described relative to the heart?
- The sternum is anterior (ventral) to the heart.
- Using directional terms, how is the skin described relative to the skeletal muscles?
- The skin is superficial to the skeletal muscles, because it is closer to the body surface.
- Which regional term refers to the calf, the posterior part of the leg?
- Sural.
- Which regional term refers to the anterior surface of the elbow?
- Antecubital.
- Which term describes two structures located on the same side of the body?
- Ipsilateral. Structures on opposite sides are contralateral.
- Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior parts?
- The frontal (coronal) plane.
- Which regional term refers to the posterior surface of the knee?
- Popliteal.
- Using directional terms, how is the wrist described relative to the elbow?
- The wrist is distal to the elbow, because it is farther from the limb's point of attachment to the trunk.
- Using directional terms, how are the ears described relative to the nose?
- The ears are lateral to the nose (farther from the midline); they are also posterior to it.
- Which plane divides the body into equal right and left halves?
- The midsagittal (median) plane. Other sagittal planes divide it into unequal right and left parts.
- Which plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts?
- The transverse (horizontal) plane, which produces cross sections.
- What is anatomical position?
- Standing upright, facing forward, feet parallel, arms at the sides, with palms facing forward.