Directional Terminology

Front

Proximal

Back

Closer to the trunk of the body.

Front

Anterior

Back

Refers to the front of the body.

Front

Lateral

Back

Refers to a position away from the midline of the body.

Front

Posterior

Back

Refers to the back of the body.

Front

Medial

Back

Refers to a position towards the midline of the body.

Front

Distal

Back

Refers to a position further from the trunk.

Front

Superior

Back

Refers to a position above another part.

Front

Inferior

Back

Refers to a position below another part.

Front

Superficial

Back

Refers to a position closer to the surface of the body.

Front

Deep

Back

Refers to a position further away from the surface of the body.