Directional Terms Flashcards
Anterior (Ventral)
Directed to a surface/part situated toward the front
The breastbone is anterior to the spine
Caudad
Tail End – directed towards the inferior end of the body
When imaging the coccyx, the x-ray tube is aligned in a caudad direction
Central
Positioning to, or situated at the centre
The pupal is central to the periphery of the eye
Cephalad
Pertaining to the head or directed towards the superior end of the body
When imaging the central spine, the x-ray tube is angled in a cephalad direction
Distal
Further from the midline or point of attachment
Fingers are distal to the elbow
Dorsal (Posterior)
Directed to a surface/part situated toward the back
The spine is posterior to the breastbone
External
Situated or occurring on the outside
The skin is situated externally
Inferior
Situated below or directed downward
The chin is inferior to the mouth
Internal
Situated or occurring on the inside
Lungs are situated internally of the bony thorax
Lateral
Pertaining to a position further away from the body midline or structure
The elbow is situated laterally to the midline
Medial
Pertaining to or situated toward the midline
The ribs are medial to the humerii
Palmar
Referring to the palm or front of the hand
Periphery
Pertaining to or situated at the periphery
The periphery is the outside of the eye, where the middle is the centre
Plantar
Referring to the sole of the foot
Posterior (Dorsal)
Directed to a surface/part situated toward the back
The spine is posterior to the breastbone
