Directions & Positions of the Body Flashcards
Anterior
A structure further in front
Posterior
A structure further toward the back of the body than another structure
Superior
A structure closer to the head
Inferior
Closer to the feet
Medial
A structure closer to the midline (or center) of the body
Lateral
A structure further away from the midline
Distal
A structure further away from the trunk or the body’s midline
Proximal
A structure closer to the trunk
Dorsal
Refers to the back portion of the body, i.e posterior
Ventral
Refers to the front part of the body, i.e. anterior
Ipsilateral
On the same side of the body
Contralateral
On the opposite side of the body
Deep
Refers to a structure deeper in the body
Superficial
Describes a structure closer to the body’s surface
Prone
Lying face down