Directional Terms Flashcards
Superior/Cephalad
Above, toward the head or upper portion of a structure
Inferior/Caudal
Below, away from the head or toward the tail or lower part of a structure
Anterior/Ventral/Bellyside
Near the front of the body
Posterior/Dorsal/Backwards/Behind
Near the back of the body
Medial
Midline of the body
Lateral
To the side
Proximal
Near the center or to the point of attachment to the body
Distal
Further away from the center or from the point of attachment to the body
Superficial
Toward the surface of the body
Deep
Away from the surface of the body, internal
Parietal
Pertaining to the outer wall of the body cavity
Visceral
Pertaining to the viscera or internal organs, especially the abdominal organs
Supine
Lying on the back, face upwards
Prone
Lying on the stomach, face downwards
Adduction
Movement towards the midline of the body