| A | B |
|---|
| midsagittal plane | divides the body into equal right and left portions |
| sagittal plane | divides the body into medial and lateral directions |
| transverse plane | divides the body into superior and inferior directions |
| thoracic cavity | this cavity houses the heart and lungs |
| diaphragm | a muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity |
| cranial cavity | this cavity houses the brain |
| spinal cavity | this cavity houses the spinal cord |
| name of the two dorsal cavities | cranial and spinal |
| names of the three anterior cavities | thoracic, abdominal and pelvic |
| the standard reference position of the body | anatomical position |
| supine | face up; lying on the back |
| prone | face down; lying on the abdomen |
| medial | toward the midline of the body;pertaining to the middle |
| lateral | toward the side; away from the midline of the body; pertaining to the side |
| ventral | toward the front; pertaining to the front |
| posterioranterior | from the back to the front |
| inferior | below; downward |
| dorsal | toward the back; pertaining to the back |
| cephalad | pertaining to the head |
| distal | away from the truck of the body |
