Planes, Cavities, and Regions Practice Questions

72 multiple-choice questions on Planes, cavities, and regions for paramedic and EMT students, from Chapter 7 (Medical Terminology). Read each question, pick your answer, then tap Show answer to check it and read the explanation.

72 practice questions

1. In the anatomic position, the patient is:

   1. A. Standing, facing forward, palms facing back
   2. B. Supine, arms at the sides, palms up
   3. C. Seated upright, arms at sides, palms down
   4. D. Standing, facing forward, palms forward
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Standing, facing forward, palms forward

   All directional terms assume this position. The arms hang at the sides with the thumbs pointing away from the body.

2. The sagittal plane divides the body into:

   1. A. Left and right parts
   2. B. Inner and outer parts
   3. C. Front and back parts
   4. D. Upper and lower parts
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Left and right parts

   The midsagittal plane divides it into equal halves.

3. The frontal, or coronal, plane divides the body into:

   1. A. Front and back parts
   2. B. Left and right parts
   3. C. Equal left and right halves
   4. D. Upper and lower parts
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Front and back parts

   Think of a coronal section as a front-to-back split.

4. The transverse plane divides the body into:

   1. A. Equal front and back halves
   2. B. Left and right parts
   3. C. Front and back parts
   4. D. Upper and lower parts
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Upper and lower parts

   It is also called the axial or horizontal plane.

5. The thoracic cavity contains the:

   1. A. Liver, stomach, and spleen
   2. B. Heart, lungs, great vessels
   3. C. Heart, lungs, and liver
   4. D. Kidneys, pancreas, and aorta
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Heart, lungs, great vessels

   It is separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm.

6. The mediastinum contains the:

   1. A. Heart, lungs, and diaphragm
   2. B. Lungs, bronchi, and pleura
   3. C. Heart, trachea, and esophagus
   4. D. Lungs, heart, and spinal cord
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Heart, trachea, and esophagus

   It is the space between the lungs. It also holds the great vessels.

7. The abdominal cavity is divided into four quadrants by lines crossing at the:

   1. A. Pubic symphysis
   2. B. Xiphoid process
   3. C. Costal margin
   4. D. Umbilicus
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Umbilicus

   Quadrants help localize pain and injury.

8. The liver and gallbladder are located primarily in the:

   1. A. Left lower quadrant
   2. B. Left upper quadrant
   3. C. Right upper quadrant
   4. D. Right lower quadrant
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Right upper quadrant

   The liver's size means it crosses the midline as well.

9. The spleen is located in the:

   1. A. Right upper quadrant
   2. B. Right lower quadrant
   3. C. Left lower quadrant
   4. D. Left upper quadrant
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Left upper quadrant

   It is protected by the lower left ribs.

10. The appendix is located in the:

    1. A. Right upper quadrant
    2. B. Left upper quadrant
    3. C. Right lower quadrant
    4. D. Left lower quadrant
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Right lower quadrant

    Appendicitis pain often migrates there from around the navel.

11. The retroperitoneal space contains the:

    1. A. Liver and gallbladder
    2. B. Kidneys and pancreas
    3. C. Stomach and spleen
    4. D. Spleen and small intestine
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Kidneys and pancreas

    Bleeding here can be hidden. It also holds part of the duodenum, the aorta, and the inferior vena cava.

12. The epigastric region is located:

    1. A. Around the navel itself
    2. B. Lateral to the navel, in the flank
    3. C. Below the navel, above the pubis
    4. D. Below the sternum, above the navel
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Below the sternum, above the navel

    The nine-region system also includes the umbilical and hypogastric regions.

13. The midsagittal plane divides the body into:

    1. A. Equal front and back halves
    2. B. Unequal left and right parts
    3. C. Equal left and right halves
    4. D. Equal upper and lower halves
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Equal left and right halves

    Also called the median plane.

14. A parasagittal plane divides the body into:

    1. A. Equal left and right halves
    2. B. Unequal upper and lower parts
    3. C. Unequal front and back parts
    4. D. Unequal left and right parts
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Unequal left and right parts

    Any sagittal plane off midline.

15. The coronal plane is also called the:

    1. A. Sagittal plane
    2. B. Transverse plane
    3. C. Frontal plane
    4. D. Axial plane
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Frontal plane

    It parallels the coronal suture.

16. The transverse plane is also called the:

    1. A. Frontal or coronal
    2. B. Horizontal or axial
    3. C. Sagittal or median
    4. D. Oblique or diagonal
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Horizontal or axial

    CT slices are typically axial.

17. The dorsal body cavity contains the:

    1. A. Heart and lungs
    2. B. Kidneys and ureters
    3. C. Brain and spinal cord
    4. D. Stomach and intestines
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Brain and spinal cord

    Cranial and spinal cavities.

18. The ventral body cavity contains the:

    1. A. Thoracic and cranial cavities
    2. B. Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
    3. C. Spinal and abdominopelvic cavities
    4. D. Cranial and spinal cavities
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities

    The diaphragm divides the thoracic from the abdominopelvic.

19. The cranial cavity contains the:

    1. A. Brain
    2. B. Spinal cord
    3. C. Eyes
    4. D. Heart
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Brain

    Protected by the skull.

20. The spinal cavity contains the:

    1. A. Brain
    2. B. Nerve roots only
    3. C. Vertebrae
    4. D. Spinal cord
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Spinal cord

    Also called the vertebral canal.

21. The pleural cavities contain the:

    1. A. Lungs
    2. B. Heart
    3. C. Liver
    4. D. Kidneys
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lungs

    One for each lung.

22. The pericardial cavity contains the:

    1. A. Heart
    2. B. Great vessels
    3. C. Trachea
    4. D. Lungs
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Heart

    Within the mediastinum.

23. The abdominopelvic cavity is divided by:

    1. A. The muscular diaphragm
    2. B. A line through the navel
    3. C. The pelvic brim line
    4. D. The parietal peritoneum
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The pelvic brim line

    There is no physical barrier. The line is imaginary; no muscle or membrane separates the two.

24. The pelvic cavity contains the:

    1. A. Kidneys and ureters
    2. B. Stomach and spleen
    3. C. Liver and gallbladder
    4. D. Bladder and rectum
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Bladder and rectum

    Protected by the bony pelvis. It also holds the internal reproductive organs.

25. Pain that starts around the navel and moves to the right lower quadrant suggests a problem with the:

    1. A. Appendix
    2. B. Gallbladder
    3. C. Spleen
    4. D. Sigmoid colon
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Appendix

    The appendix and cecum lie in the right lower quadrant. Early appendicitis causes vague periumbilical pain that moves to the RLQ as the overlying peritoneum becomes inflamed. The gallbladder is in the RUQ, the spleen in the LUQ, and the sigmoid colon in the LLQ.

26. The left lower quadrant contains the:

    1. A. Spleen
    2. B. Sigmoid colon
    3. C. Appendix and cecum
    4. D. Gallbladder
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Sigmoid colon

    Diverticulitis pain is often here. The left ovary also lies here.

27. After a blow to the left lower ribs, a patient has left shoulder pain and falling blood pressure. Which organ is most likely injured?

    1. A. Spleen
    2. B. Liver
    3. C. Appendix
    4. D. Sigmoid colon
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Spleen

    The spleen lies in the left upper quadrant under the lower left ribs. Blood irritating the diaphragm can refer pain to the left shoulder (Kehr sign). The liver is in the right upper quadrant, the appendix in the right lower quadrant, and the sigmoid colon in the left lower quadrant.

28. Pain under the right ribs after a fatty meal most likely involves an organ in the:

    1. A. Left upper quadrant
    2. B. Right lower quadrant
    3. C. Right upper quadrant
    4. D. Left lower quadrant
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Right upper quadrant

    The gallbladder and liver lie mainly in the right upper quadrant, and gallbladder pain classically follows fatty meals. The spleen and stomach are in the left upper quadrant, the appendix in the right lower quadrant, and the sigmoid colon in the left lower quadrant.

29. The nine-region system divides the abdomen using:

    1. A. Three vertical and three horizontal lines
    2. B. Two lines crossing at the navel
    3. C. Two vertical and two horizontal lines
    4. D. Four lines radiating from the navel
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Two vertical and two horizontal lines

    Like a tic-tac-toe grid.

30. The umbilical region is:

    1. A. Lower center, above the pubis
    2. B. Right side, beside the navel
    3. C. Center, around the navel
    4. D. Upper center, below the sternum
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Center, around the navel

    Surrounded by the other eight.

31. The hypogastric region is:

    1. A. Lower center, below the navel
    2. B. Upper center, below the sternum
    3. C. Lower left, near the groin
    4. D. Upper right, below the ribs
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lower center, below the navel

    Also called suprapubic.

32. The right and left hypochondriac regions are:

    1. A. Upper sides, below the ribs
    2. B. Middle sides, at the flanks
    3. C. Lower sides, near the groin
    4. D. Center, around the navel
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Upper sides, below the ribs

    Hypochondriac means below the cartilage.

33. The right and left lumbar regions are:

    1. A. Upper sides, below the ribs
    2. B. Lower sides, near the groin
    3. C. Middle sides, the flanks
    4. D. Lower center, above the pubis
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Middle sides, the flanks

    Kidney pain presents here.

34. The right and left inguinal regions are:

    1. A. Lower sides, near the groin
    2. B. Middle sides, the flanks
    3. C. Lower center, above the pubis
    4. D. Upper sides, below the ribs
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lower sides, near the groin

    Also called iliac regions.

35. The flank refers to:

    1. A. Lower back, over the spine
    2. B. Side of the trunk, ribs to hip
    3. C. Front of the abdomen, ribs to hip
    4. D. The groin crease, above the thigh
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Side of the trunk, ribs to hip

    Flank pain suggests kidney problems. It is the side of the body between the ribs and the hip.

36. The mediastinum lies:

    1. A. Within a lung
    2. B. Below the diaphragm
    3. C. Between the lungs
    4. D. Behind the spine
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Between the lungs

    Contains heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus.

37. The peritoneal cavity is:

    1. A. Space between the pleural layers
    2. B. Space between peritoneal layers
    3. C. Space within the pelvic bowl only
    4. D. Space behind the parietal peritoneum
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Space between peritoneal layers

    Blood or fluid collects here. It is a potential space between the visceral and parietal peritoneum.

38. After a fall from height, a patient has bruising over the flank and blood in the urine. Which retroperitoneal organ is most likely injured?

    1. A. Spleen
    2. B. Kidney
    3. C. Liver
    4. D. Stomach
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Kidney

    The kidneys lie in the retroperitoneum, beneath the flanks, so flank bruising with hematuria points to renal injury. Retroperitoneal bleeding can be large but shows few abdominal signs. The spleen, liver, and stomach are intraperitoneal organs.

39. The epigastric region is a common location for pain from the:

    1. A. Stomach, pancreas, or heart
    2. B. Appendix, cecum, or ovary
    3. C. Bladder, uterus, or ovaries
    4. D. Spleen, kidney, or colon
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Stomach, pancreas, or heart

    Cardiac pain may present as epigastric.

40. The suprapubic region is above the:

    1. A. Sternum
    2. B. Iliac crest
    3. C. Umbilicus
    4. D. Pubic bone
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Pubic bone

    Bladder distention presents here.

41. The costal margin is:

    1. A. The lower edge of the rib cage
    2. B. The upper rim of the pelvis
    3. C. The upper edge of the clavicle
    4. D. The lower tip of the sternum
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The lower edge of the rib cage

    A landmark for liver palpation.

42. The xiphoid process is at the:

    1. A. Lower edge of the ribs
    2. B. Bottom of the sternum
    3. C. Top of the sternum
    4. D. Center of the sternum
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Bottom of the sternum

    A landmark for CPR hand placement.

43. The sternal notch is at the:

    1. A. Base of the neck, posterior
    2. B. Middle of the sternum
    3. C. Bottom of the sternum
    4. D. Top of the sternum
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Top of the sternum

    Also called the suprasternal or jugular notch.

44. The angle of Louis marks:

    1. A. Suprasternal notch, above 1st rib
    2. B. Xiphoid-body junction, 7th rib
    3. C. Sternoclavicular joint, 1st rib
    4. D. Manubrium-body junction, 2nd rib
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Manubrium-body junction, 2nd rib

    Used to count ribs. This sternal angle is where the second rib attaches.

45. The midclavicular line runs:

    1. A. Down from the sternoclavicular joint
    2. B. Down from the tip of the shoulder
    3. C. Through the nipple in all patients
    4. D. Down from the clavicle's midpoint
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Down from the clavicle's midpoint

    Used for chest decompression landmarks.

46. The midaxillary line runs:

    1. A. Down from the front fold of the armpit
    2. B. Down from the midpoint of the clavicle
    3. C. Down from the back fold of the armpit
    4. D. Down from the middle of the armpit
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Down from the middle of the armpit

    Used for chest tube and decompression sites.

47. The anterior axillary line runs:

    1. A. Down from the middle of the armpit
    2. B. Down from the midpoint of the clavicle
    3. C. Down from the back fold of the armpit
    4. D. Down from the front fold of the armpit
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Down from the front fold of the armpit

    Another lateral chest landmark.

48. The umbilicus is at approximately which vertebral level?

    1. A. T10 to T11
    2. B. T4 to T5
    3. C. L3 to L4
    4. D. S1 to S2
    Show answer

    Answer: C. L3 to L4

    Though the T10 dermatome covers the umbilical skin.

49. The nipple line corresponds to which dermatome?

    1. A. T2
    2. B. T4
    3. C. T10
    4. D. C8
    Show answer

    Answer: B. T4

    A useful spinal level marker.

50. The axilla refers to the:

    1. A. Armpit
    2. B. Elbow
    3. C. Neck
    4. D. Groin
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Armpit

    Axillary temperature.

51. The popliteal region is:

    1. A. In front of the knee
    2. B. At the hip
    3. C. Behind the knee
    4. D. At the ankle
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Behind the knee

    Popliteal pulse.

52. The antecubital fossa is:

    1. A. Behind the elbow
    2. B. In front of the elbow
    3. C. Inner side of the wrist
    4. D. Back of the upper arm
    Show answer

    Answer: B. In front of the elbow

    A common IV site.

53. The inguinal region is the:

    1. A. Knee
    2. B. Groin
    3. C. Neck
    4. D. Armpit
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Groin

    Inguinal hernia.

54. The occipital region is:

    1. A. The side of the head
    2. B. The back of the head
    3. C. The top of the head
    4. D. The forehead
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The back of the head

    Occipital lobe.

55. The temporal region is:

    1. A. The front of the head
    2. B. The side of the head
    3. C. The top of the head
    4. D. The back of the head
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The side of the head

    Temporal artery. Specifically, the side of the head above the ear.

56. The frontal region is:

    1. A. The base of the skull
    2. B. The forehead
    3. C. The back of the head
    4. D. The side of the head
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The forehead

    Frontal lobe.

57. The parietal region is:

    1. A. The forehead and brow
    2. B. The base of the skull
    3. C. The back of the head
    4. D. The top of the head
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The top of the head

    Parietal bones. It includes the top and upper sides of the head.

58. The cervical region refers to the:

    1. A. Neck
    2. B. Head
    3. C. Chest
    4. D. Lower back
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Neck

    Cervical spine.

59. The thoracic region refers to the:

    1. A. Abdomen
    2. B. Pelvis
    3. C. Chest
    4. D. Neck
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Chest

    Thoracic cavity.

60. The lumbar region refers to the:

    1. A. Upper back
    2. B. Chest wall
    3. C. Pelvic bowl
    4. D. Lower back
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Lower back

    Lumbar spine.

61. The sacral region refers to the:

    1. A. Spine base, between the hips
    2. B. Upper neck, below the skull
    3. C. Lower back, above the pelvis
    4. D. Tailbone tip, below the spine
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Spine base, between the hips

    Sacral pressure injuries.

62. The gluteal region is the:

    1. A. Buttock
    2. B. Thigh
    3. C. Lower back
    4. D. Hip joint
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Buttock

    Gluteal injection site.

63. The femoral region is the:

    1. A. Thigh
    2. B. Lower leg
    3. C. Knee
    4. D. Hip
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Thigh

    Femoral pulse in the groin.

64. The crural region refers to the:

    1. A. Lower leg
    2. B. Upper arm
    3. C. Sole of the foot
    4. D. Thigh
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lower leg

    Less commonly used.

65. The perineum is:

    1. A. Crease between thigh and abdomen
    2. B. Area between genitals and anus
    3. C. Area just above the pubic bone
    4. D. Area over the sacrum and coccyx
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Area between genitals and anus

    Perineal injury in trauma.

66. The buccal region is the:

    1. A. Forehead
    2. B. Nose
    3. C. Chin
    4. D. Cheek
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Cheek

    Buccal medication route.

67. The mental region, in anatomy, refers to the:

    1. A. Forehead
    2. B. Chin
    3. C. Mind
    4. D. Brain
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Chin

    Mental nerve, mental foramen.

68. The orbital region refers to the:

    1. A. Nasal cavity
    2. B. Ear canal
    3. C. Eye socket
    4. D. Cheekbone
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Eye socket

    Orbital fracture.

69. The nasal region refers to the:

    1. A. Nose
    2. B. Eye
    3. C. Ear
    4. D. Mouth
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Nose

    Nasal cannula.

70. The sternal region refers to the:

    1. A. Breastbone
    2. B. Collarbone
    3. C. Shoulder blade
    4. D. Backbone
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Breastbone

    Sternal rub.

71. The scapular region refers to the:

    1. A. Collarbone
    2. B. Shoulder blade
    3. C. Breastbone
    4. D. Upper arm bone
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Shoulder blade

    Scapular fractures imply high energy.

72. Which plane would a CT scan slice through the chest typically represent?

    1. A. Sagittal
    2. B. Coronal
    3. C. Oblique
    4. D. Transverse
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Transverse

    Axial images.