Question

What is the purpose of using directional terms, anatomic planes, regions, and quadrants?

Answer 1

Directional terms: these are based on standard anatomical position. They are classified as:

• Anterior and Posterior
• Medial and lateral
• superior and inferior
• proximal and distal
• Palmar and dorsal
• Superficial and deep

Anatomical planes : they are used to describe or locate the body parts or organs specifically. They are also used in body imaging techniques. The main anatomical planes are sagittal, coronal, transverse and oblique.

Anatomical quadrants: the abdomen is divided into different quadrants for the purpose of study, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

Anatomical regions: they divide the body into different compartments or they are used for mapping different body areas. The two main anatomical regions are:

1. Axial - containing head and neck, thorax and abdomen

2. Appendicular - containing upper and lower extremity

Use of all these directional terms, anatomic planes, regions, and quadrants by anatomist, biologist and medical professionals help maintain the uniformity of any study and experiment being conducted, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions being done. It also maintains the uniformity of data being collected and recorded. These scientific terms help in easy and logical communication between healthcare and medical professionals.