Anatomical terminology Nomenclature is a term that applies to either a list of names and/or terms, or to the system of principles, procedures and terms related to naming - which is the assigning of a word or phrase to a particular object or property. Terminologia Anatomica /Ter·mi·no·lo·gia Ana·to·mi·ca/ (TA) (-no- lo´je-ah an″ah-tom´ĭ-kah) [L.] International Anatomical Terminology: the internationally approved official body of anatomical nomenclature, superseding the Nomina Anatomica (NA). Nomina Anatomica (NA) a book that lists the internationally approved official body of human anatomical nomenclature; abbreviated. It now contains items in gross anatomy, histology and embryology. Anatomical position •Anatomists have agreed to relate everything they describe to a universally approved and accepted position. •In this position the body stands erect with feet together, arms by the side and palms facing forward. Body planes •SAGITTAL (L = AN ARROW) •MEDIAN (L MEDIANIS = IN THE MIDLINE) •CORONAL (G KORONE = A CROWN) •TRANSVERSE / HORIZONTAL DESCRIPTIVE TERMS Commonly used directional terms