Reference positions Flashcards
Anterior
in front or in the front part
Anteroinferior
in front & below
Anterosuperior
in front & above
Anterolateral
in front & to the side,
especially to the outside
Anteromedial
in front & toward the inner side or midline
Anteroposterior
relating to both front and rear
Posterior
behind, in back, or in the rear
posteroinferior
behind & below; in back & below
posterolateral
behind & to one side,
specifically to the outside
posteromedial
behind & to the inner side
Posterosuperior
behind & at the upper part
Contralateral
pertaining to the opposite side
ipsilateral
on the same side
inferior (infra)
below in relation to another structure; caudal
superior (supra)
above in relation to another structure; higher, cephalic
caudal
below in relation to another structure; inferior
cephalic
above in relation to another structure; higher, superior
deep
beneath or blow the surface; used to describe the relative depth or location of a muscle
superficial
near the surface; used to describe relative depth or location of muscles or tissue
distal
situated away from the center or midline of the body, or away from the point of origin
Proximal
nearest the trunk or point of origin
Lateral
on or to the side; outside, farther from the median
medial
relating to the middle or center; nearer to the medial
prone
the body lying face downward; stomach lying
supine
lying on the back; face upward position of the body
dorsal
relating to the back; posterior
ventral
relating to the belly or abdomen
volar
relating to the palm of the hand or sole of the foot
