Anatomical Terms and Body Regions

Front

deep

Back

Located away from the surface

Front

anterior

Back

Toward the front of the body

Front

proximal

Back

Close to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk

Front

posterior

Back

Toward the backside of the body

Front

medical

Back

Toward the midline of the body

Front

ventral

Back

Relating to the belly (used for four legged animals)

Front

dorsal

Back

Relating to the back (used for four legged animals)

Front

superior

Back

Toward the head or above

Front

inferior

Back

Toward the feet or below

Front

superficial

Back

Located at or near the surface