directional terms Flashcards
memorize!
Superior (Cranial or Cephalad)
toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above
Inferior (caudal)
away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below
Ventral (anterior)
toward or at the front of the body; in front of
Dorsal (posterior)
Toward or at the backside of the body; behind
Medial
toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of (heart is medial to the arm)
Lateral
away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of (the arms are lateral to the chest)
intermediate
Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.
Ex: The collarbone is intermediate between the breastbone and shoulder.
Proximal
Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk
Distal
farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk
Superficial (external)
toward or at the body surface
Deep (internal)
Away from the body surface; more internal
Abdominal (anterior)
anterior body trunk inferior to ribs
Acrominal (anterior)
curve of shoulder formed by large deltoid muscle
antecubital (anterior)
anterior surface of elbow
Brachial (Anterior)
arm
Buccal (anterior)
cheek area
Carpal (anterior)
wrist
Cervical (anterior)
neck region
Deltoid (anterior)
Point of shoulder
Frontal (anterior)
forehead