Directional Terms In Human Anatomy Flashcards
Cephalic
Toward the head or the superior end
The cephalic end of the embryonic neural tube develops into the brain.
Ventral
Toward the front or belly
The aorta is ventral to the vertebral column.
Anterior
Toward the ventral side
The sternum is anterior to the heart.
Deep
Farther from the body’s surface
The bones are deep to the muscles.
Posterior
Toward the dorsal side
The esophagus is posterior to the trachea.
Dorsal
Toward the back or spine
The vertebral column is dorsal to the aorta.
Caudal
Toward the tail or inferior end
The spinal cord is caudal to the brain.
Distal
Farther from the point of attachment or origin.
The fingernails are at the distal ends of the finger.
Rostral
Toward the forehead or nose
The forebrain is rostral to the brainstem.
Superior
Above
The heart is superior to the diaphragm.
Lateral
Away from the median plane
The eyes are lateral to the nose.
Proximal
Closer to the point of attachment or origin
The elbow is proximal to the wrist.
Superficial
Closer to the body surface
The skin is superficial to the muscles.
Medial
Toward the median plane
The heart is medial to the lungs.
Inferior
Below
The liver is inferior to the diaphragm.
