Plantar

Plantar: An anatomical direction that refers to the bottom or lower surface of the body. In human anatomy, this term is almost exclusively used to refer to structures on the bottom of the foot. For example, plantar fasciitis is a diagnosis of inflation of the fascia on the bottom side of the foot.

The opposite of plantar:

• Dorsal

For more information on the anatomical directions, check out:

• Lesson 1: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Examples of dorsal used in reference to anatomy, exercise, and physical rehabilitation:

• Plantar Fascia: A thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot.
• Plantar Interossei: Muscles located between the metatarsal bones of the foot that assist with toe flexion. Note, there are also dorsal interossei which are located closer to the top side of the foot.
• Lateral and Medial Plantar Nerves: Branches of the tibial nerve that innervate muscles and skin of the plantar surface of the foot.
• Plantar Fascia Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): A manual therapy technique that uses tools to address assessed mobility issues of the plantar fascia of the foot.