Anatomical Terminology

• Median Plane


  Divided the head, body, or limb longitudinally into equal left and right halves
• Sagittal Plane


  Passes through the head, body, or limb parallel to the median plane
• Transverse plane


  Cuts across the head, body or limb at a right angle to its long axis / across the long axis of an organ or body part
• Dorsal plane


  Runs at right angles to the median & transverse planes. Divides the body into dorsal & ventral portions
• What is the transverse plane?

  Cuts across the body at a right angle
• How does the dorsal plane divide the body?

  It divides into dorsal and ventral portions
• What does medial mean?

  Toward the median plane
• What does lateral mean?

  Away from the median plane
• What does cranial refer to?

  Toward the head
• What does rostral mean?

  Toward the nose
• Dorsal


  Toward the back surface and corresponding surface of the head, neck & tail.

  Also the Upper surface of the carpus, tarsus, metapodium & digits
• Ventral

  Toward the belly and corresponding surface of the head, neck & tail.
• Medial


  Toward the median plane
• Lateral


  Away from the median plane
• Cranial


  Towards the head, on limbs it applies proximal to the carpus & tarsus
• Rostral

  Towards the nose
• Caudal


  Towards the tail

  on the limbs it applies proximal to the carpus & tarsus
• Distal


  Away from the main mass or origin.

  In limbs & tail, the ‘free’ end
• Radial


  On the side of the forearm (antebrachium) where the radius is located
• Ulnar


  On the side of the forearm where the ulna is located
• Tibial 


  Tibial side of the leg (Medial)
• Fibular


  Fibular side of the leg (Lateral)
• Palmar


  Aspect of the Forepaw where the pads are located.

  The surface that contacts the ground
• Plantar


  Aspect of the Hindpaw with pads.

  The surface which contacts the ground
• Dorsal surface


  Opposite side of the paw to the palmar / plantar surface
• Axis


  Central line of the body or any of its parts
• Axial


  Faces the axis
• Abaxial


  Faces away from the axis
• Flexion


  The joint angle decreases

  The limbs is retracted / folded / bent
• Extension


  The joint angle is increased

  The limb reaches out / straightens / extends
• Over extension


  joint angle exceeds 180 degrees
• Adduction


  The movement of a part toward the median plane
• Circumduction


  The movement of a part in a circular motion
• Rotation 


  The movement of a part around its long axis (e.g. radius when using screwdriver)
• Supination


  Lateral rotation of the appendage so the palmar or plantar surface of the paw faces medially
• Pronation


  Medial rotation of the appendage from the supine position so that the palmar or plantar surface will face the substrate
• Brachium


  Forearm
• Antebrachium


  Forearm (between elbow & carpus)
• Crus


  Leg (between stifle & tarsus)
• How are radiographic views described?


  By the direction of penetration by the x-ray