Anatomy Directional Terms Flashcards
The meaning of the word “SUPERIOR”?
Towards the head of the body
Another word used instead of of Superior?
Cranial
Meaning of the word “Inferior”?
Away form the head.
Another word used instead of “Inferior”?
Caudal.
Meaning of the word “ANTERIOR”?
The front of the body.
Another word used for the word “ANTERIOR”?
Ventral.
Meaning of the word “POSTERIOR”?
Back of the body.
Another word used instead of “Posterior”?
Dorsal.
Meaning of the word “MEDIAL”?
Towards the midline of the body or body or body part.
Meaning of the word “LATERAL”?
Away from the midline of the body (outside).
Meaning of the word “PROXIMAL”?
Towards or nearest to the trunk or point of origin.
e.g. The proximal end of the femur joins with the pelvic bone.
Meaning of the word “DISTAL”?
Away from or furthest away from the trunk or origin.
e.g. The hand is located at the distal end of the forearm.
Meaning and example of the term “COMBINING DIRECTIONAL TERMS”?
This is when two or more directional terms are joined together to be more accurate when describing the location of the body or body part.
e. g. if you were describing the location of the ear to the mouth, you can say:
1. The ear is located superior to the mouth (above).
2. OR.. you can say the ear is located laterally to the mouth (outisde).
Therefore, you combine those terms together and say… SUPEROLATERAL.
