Anatomical terms
Direction
Anterior / PosteriorToward the front / back of the body
Superior / InferiorToward the head / feet
Medial / LateralToward / away from the midline
Proximal / DistalCloser to / farther from the trunk (limbs)
Superficial / DeepCloser to / farther from the skin
Origin / InsertionUsually the fixed, proximal attachment / the moving, distal attachment
Planes and axes
Sagittal planeDivides left and right. Flexion and extension. Axis: frontal (mediolateral)
Frontal planeDivides front and back. Abduction, adduction, lateral flexion. Axis: sagittal (anteroposterior)
Transverse planeDivides top and bottom. Rotation, pronation, supination. Axis: longitudinal (vertical)
Movements
Flexion / ExtensionDecrease / increase the joint angle
Abduction / AdductionMove away from / toward the midline
Medial / Lateral rotationTurn the front of a limb toward / away from the midline
Pronation / SupinationTurn the palm down (back) / up (forward)
Dorsiflexion / PlantarflexionToes up toward the shin / point the foot down
Inversion / EversionSole turns inward / outward
Elevation / DepressionMove up / down (scapula, mandible)
Protraction / RetractionMove forward / backward (scapula, mandible)
Upward / Downward rotationGlenoid fossa of the scapula turns up / down