The Language of Anatomy

The Medial Line

The medial line is the central axis of the figure, dividing the body vertically into equal right and left haves. (In medical terminology, it is referred to as the midsagittal plane.) On the front (anterior) side of the body, the medial line travels straight down through the cranium, breastbone, navel, and pubic bone, continuing between the legs down to the ground. On the back (posterior) side, the medial line goes through the cranium, follows the spine, and again continues down to the ground between the legs. The central axis of the body is a valuable landmark because it helps you accurately assess the figure’s position, as when there is a noticeable tilt to the torso or a twisting action in the torso. In action poses, the central axis generally travels down through the leg that is more stable or that is positioned in a way that continues the action of the pose in a more sweeping gesture.

Anatomical Planes

The anatomical planes are three planes or reference that divide the body vertically and horizontally while it is in the anatomical position. Think of these imaginary planes as thin sheets of transparent glass, perpendicular to one another, that slice through the body, creating three different dimensions. Specific kinds of movement can only occur within certain planes.

Sagittal Plane The sagittal plane divides the body vertically into equal right and left halves. This plane is also referred to as the midsagittal plane because it is on the midline of the body. Movements within the sagittal plane are flexion and extension – forward and backward movements of the head, spine, and limbs.

Coronal Plane The coronal plane divides the body vertically into equal front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions. The coronal plane, (also referred to as the frontal plane) is always perpendicular to the sagittal plane. Movements within this plane are abduction and adduction (side-to-side movements of the arms and legs) and lateral flexion (side-to-side movements of the head, neck, and torso).

Transverse Plane A transverse plane divides the body horizontally, from side to side or left to right, into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions. Traditionally, when the transverse plane is indicated in anatomical charts, its division is placed below the waist. Movements within transverse planes include rotation of the head, spine, and limbs.

Anatomical Directions/Locations

Medial – Toward the medial line or central axis of the body Lateral – Away from the medial line or central axis of the body Anterior – In front of; toward the front of the body; ventral Posterior – In back of; toward the back of the body; dorsal Superior – Above; refers to the structures closer to the head or toward the upper part of a structure or body part Inferior – Below; refers to the structures closer to the feet or toward the lower part of a structure or body partÛ

Û Classic Human Anatomy: The Artist’s Guide to Form, Function, and Movement by Valerie L. Winslow – pp. 27, 28