Anatomical Directional Terms

Front

Superior

Back

above

Front

Inferior

Back

below

Front

Anterior

Back

in front

Front

Posterior

Back

behind

Front

Medial

Back

towards the midline

Front

Lateral

Back

away from the midline (to the side)

Front

Proximal

Back

closer to the trunk (applies to a limb)

Front

Distal

Back

further from the trunk (applies to a limb)

Front

Superficial

Back

toward the surface (ex. skin)

Front

Deep

Back

away from the surface; internal (ex. bones)