Directional Terms Flashcards
Anterior
In front
Posterior
In back
Dorsal
Toward the back
Ventral
Toward the belly side
Superior
Closer to the head
Inferior
Closer to the feet
Cranial (cephalic)
Toward the head end
Caudal
Toward the rear or tail end
Rostral
Toward the nose or mouth
Medial
Toward the midline of the body
Ipsilateral
On the same side
Contralateral
On the opposite side
Deep
Closer to the inside, internal to another structure
Superficial
Closer to the outside, external to another structure
Proximal
Closer to the point of attachment to trunk. Ex: The elbow is proximal to the hand
Distal
Farther away from the point of attachment to trunk. Ex: The wrist is distal to the elbow
What does the axial region of the body include?
Head, neck, and trunk
What region of the body is composed of the upper and lower limbs?
Appendicular
