Orientation and Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior (Cranial)

Answer 1

Toward the head end, or upper part of a structure or the body; “above”

Ex: The head is superior to the abdomen

Question 2

Inferior (caudal)

Answer 2

Away from the head end, or toward the lower part of a structure or the body;
“Below”

Question 3

Anterior (Ventral)

Answer 3

Toward or at the front of the body;

“In front of”

Question 4

Posterior (Dorsal)

Answer 4

Toward or at the back of body;

“Behind”

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Toward or at the midline of the body;
“On the inner side of”

Ex: The heart is medial to the arm

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

Away from the midline of the body;
“On the outer side of”

Ex: The arms are lateral to the chest

Question 7

Intermediate

Answer 7

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Ex: The collarbone is Intermediate between the breastbone and shoulder

Question 8

Proximal

Answer 8

Closer to the origin or the body part of point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Ex: The elbow is proximal to the wrist

Question 9

Distal

Answer 9

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Ex: The knee is distal to the thigh

Question 10

Superficial (External)

Answer 10

Toward or at the body surface

Ex: The skin is superficial to the skeletal muscles

Question 11

Deep (Internal)

Answer 11

Away from the body surface;
“More internal”

Ex: the lungs are deep to the skin