Key Terms

Brian Lee
Sat May 10 2025

There are numerous anatomical terms in medical texts, but not all are relevant to artistic anatomy. Since artists focus on superficial muscles and bones—those visible on the surface—only certain terms are necessary. Most of the time, artists only need to learn terminology related to the location of muscles, bones, and bony landmarks to effectively apply anatomical knowledge in their work.

Terms

Abduction

Movement of a limb or body part away from the midline.
Opposite: Adduction.

Adduction

Movement of a limb or body part toward the midline.
Opposite: Abduction.

Anterior

Front.

Dorsal

Near or on the back.

Extension

Increases the angle between two bones, moving a segment away from the neutral position.
Opposite: Flexion.

Flexion

Decreases the angle between two bones in the sagittal plane (for example, bending the elbow).
Opposite: Extension.

Fossa

A hollow or depression in the surface of a bone.

Inferior

Below.

Insertion

The part of a muscle that moves when the muscle contracts.
See Muscle Origin and Insertion.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Ligament

Strong tissue that connects bone to bone.

Medial

Toward the midline.

Origin

The part of a muscle that stays in place when the muscle contracts.
See Muscle Origin and Insertion.

Posterior

Back.

Sagittal

An anatomical plane running front to back, dividing the body into left and right sections.

Superior

Above.

Tendon

Strong tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Ventral

Near or on the belly side.

References

Anatomical Terminology (Wikipedia)