Key Terminology

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Anatomical Position

Anatomical position is used as a reference in describing the relation of body

parts to one another. This means that any time we use anatomical language,
it's in reference to the anatomical position. Below is an image of the anatomical
position.

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 Directional Terms

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Superior:
towards the upper part of the body
Inferior:
towards the lower part of the body

Anterior:
towards the front of the body
Posterior:
towards the back of the body

Medial:
towards the midline of the body
Lateral:
away from the midline of the body

Proximal:
closer to the head
Distal:
further from the head

Superficial:
towards or on the body surface
Deep:
away from the surface of the body

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Prone:
lying flat with chest down and back up
Supine:
lying flat with chest up and back down

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 Anatomical Movement

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Flexion:
decrease in angle of articulating bones
Extension:
increase in angle of the articulating bones
Hyperextension:
Increase of the angle of the joint beyond its anatomical position.
Abduction
movement away from the midline of the body
Adduction
bringing something towards the midline

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