Anatomical Position Flashcards
Towards the head.
The uppermost part.
Superior (AKA Cranial)
ex: The liver is superior to the stomach.
Towards the tail end.
The lowermost part.
Inferior (AKA Caudal)
ex: The rectum is inferior to the stomach.
The front or belly surface.
Towards the front side.
Anterior (AKA Ventral)
ex: The ribs are anterior to the lungs.
The back surface.
Posterior (AKA Dorsal)
ex: The vertebral column is posterior to the lungs.
Towards the midline of the body.
Medial
ex: The umbilicus is medial in position.
Towards the sides of the body.
Away from the midline.
Lateral
ex: The arms are lateral to the trunk.
Refers to closeness to the surface of the body.
Superficial
ex: The external oblique muscle is a superficial abdominal muscle.
At various levels below the surface of the body.
Deep
ex: The internal oblique muscle is a deep abdominal muscle.
Similar to superficial, used in reference to body cavities and internal organs.
External
Similar to deep, used in reference to body cavities and internal organs.
Internal.
Refers to the relative closeness to the midline of the body or origin of a structure.
Proximal
ex: The femur is proximal to the tibia and fibula.
Refers to the relative distance from the midline or origin of a structure.
Distal
ex: The ankle bones are distal to the tibia and fibula.
The anterior surface of the forearm and palm of the hand (the back of the hand is the dorsal surface).
Palmar
The sole of the foot (the top of the foot is the dorsal surface).
Plantar
