Directional Terms in Anatomy

Front

Anterior (or ventral)

Back

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body. The toes are anterior to the foot.

Front

Superior (or cranial)

Back

Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. The orbits are superior to the oris.

Front

Inferior (or caudal)

Back

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail. The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen.

Front

Lateral

Back

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body. The thumb (pollex) is lateral to the digits.

Front

Medial

Back

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body. The hallux is the medial toe.

Front

Proximal

Back

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The brachium is proximal to the antebrachium.

Front

Distal

Back

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The crus is distal to the femur.

Front

Superficial

Back

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body. The skin is superficial to the bones.

Front

Deep

Back

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body. The brain is deep to the skull.

Front

Directional terms

Back

Essential for describing the relative locations of different body structures.