Vet Assisting - Common Directional Terms

Front

Distal

Back

Away from the center of the body.

Front

Cranial

Back

Toward the head.

Front

Proximal

Back

Closer to the body or point of origin.

Front

Lateral

Back

Side of the body; toward the outside.

Front

Dorsal

Back

Toward the back/spine or top of the body.

Front

Ventral

Back

Toward the belly or underside of the body.

Front

Caudal

Back

Toward the tail.

Front

Medial

Back

Toward the midline of the body.

Front

Palmar

Back

The underside of the front feet.

Front

Plantar

Back

The underside of the rear feet.