Directional Terms Flashcards
describes the front or direction toward the front of the body.
Anterior (or ventral)
Example: The toes are anterior to the foot
describes the back or direction toward the back of
the body.
Posterior (or dorsal)
Example: The teeth are posterior to the lips.
describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper.
Superior (or cranial)
Example: The forehead is superior to the nose.
describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column).
Inferior (or caudal)Example: The navel is inferior to the navel
describes the side or direction toward the side of the body.
Lateral
Example: the arms are lateral to the chest
describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body.
Medial
Example: The heart is medial to the lungs
describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.
Proximal
Example: elbow is proximal to the wrist.
describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.
Distal
Example: the knees is distal to the thigh
describes a position closer to the surface of the body.
Superficial
Example: The skin is superficial to the bones.
describes a position farther from the surface of the body.
Deep
Example: The brain is deep to the skull
towards or at the front of the body.
Anterior
Example: the breastbone is anterior to the spine
toward or at the backside of the body; behind.
Posterior
Example: The heart is posterior to the breastbone
Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.
Intermediate
Example: the armpit is intermediate between the breastbone and the shoulder.
