Term

Anatomical planes

Definition

Hypothetical planes used to describe the location of structures, and direction of movement. Saggital plane: Divides the body into right and left sections (can be uneven). Joint action flexion and extension. Frontal plane: Divides the body into front and back. Joint action abduction, adduction, lateral flexion. Transverse plane: Divides the body into top and bottom. Joint action rotation, horizontal flexion and extension.

Term

Anterior

Definition

Describes the location of a bodily segment towards the front of the body.

Term

Posterior

Definition

Opposite of anterior, describes location of a bodily segment towards the rear of the body.