Directional References

Question 0

Inferior

Answer 0

Below

Ex. The thigh is inferior to the hips

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

Above (at a higher level)

Ex. The nose is superior to the mouth

Question 2

Anterior/ventral

Answer 2

Front surface

Belly side

The umbilicus is on the anterior surface of the trunk.

Question 3

Posterior/dorsal

Answer 3

Back surface

Rear.

Ex. The scapula is posterior to the rib cage.

Question 4

Lateral

Answer 4

Away from the midline.(axis)

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Toward the midline (axis)

Question 6

Proximal

Answer 6

Closer to point of attachment

The shoulder is proximal to the wrist.

Question 7

Distal

Answer 7

Farther from the point of attachment

Ex. The fingers are distal to the wrist.

Question 8

Superficial

Answer 8

At, near or relatively close to the body surface.

The skin is superficial to underlying structures.

Question 9

Deep

Answer 9

Toward the interior of the body, further from the surface.

Ex. The bone of the thigh is deep to the surrounding skeletal muscles.