Directional Terms and Body Planes

Front

Lateral

Back

Away from the midline of the body.

Front

Proximal

Back

Closer to the trunk.

Front

Caudal

Back

Another term for inferior.

Front

Medial

Back

Toward the midline of the body.

Front

Cranial

Back

Another term for superior.

Front

Inferior

Back

Positioned below or lower than another part.

Front

Superior

Back

Positioned above or higher than another part.

Front

Distal

Back

Farther from the trunk or point of attachment.

Front

Ventral

Back

Referring to the front or belly side of the body.

Front

Dorsal

Back

Referring to the back side of the body.