Basics and Beyond ® Anatomy of the Upper Extremity

BASIC CONCEPTS:

Anatomical position of the upper extremity: 

• Elbow extension with forearm supination

Sagittal plane:  Divides the body vertically into right and left parts 

Frontal (coronal) plane:  Divides the body vertically into front and back portions

Transverse (horizontal) plane:  Divides the body horizontally into superior and inferior portions

• Superior:  above another structure
• Inferior:  below another structure
• Anterior (ventral):  toward the front of the body
• Posterior (dorsal):  toward the back of the body
• Medial:  toward the midline of the body
• Lateral:  away from the midline of the body
• Ipsilateral:  on the same side of the body
• Contralateral:  on the opposite sides of the body