Anatomical Directions Flashcards
superior and cephalic (cranial)
more toward the head or above another structure
anterior or ventral
more toward the front or belly-side of the body
ex. nose is on the anterior surface of the body
inferior or caudal
more toward the feet/tail or below another structure
ex. intestine is inferior to the heart
superficial (external)
more toward the surface of the body
ex. skin is superficial to the muscles below it
deep (internal)
further away from the surface of the body
ex. bone is deep to the muscles
proximal
closer to the origin/trunk of the body or point of attachment
distal
away or farther from the trunk or point of origin of a body part
ex. hand lies at the distal end of the lower arm
intermediate
between a more medial and lateral structure
ex. middle toes between big and small toes
medial
refers to the middle or toward the middle of the body/structure
ex. heart is medially located in the chest cavity
posterior or dorsal*
more toward the back
lateral
toward the side of the body away from the midline
ex. little toe is on the lateral side of the foot
reference anatomical position
standing posture facing forward feet slightly spread palms of hands facing forward palms of hands facing forward
supine
body lying down facing upward
prone
body laying down facing downward
sagittal
vertical plane - side/side
