Anatomy and Physiology Directional Terms

Front

Inferior

Back

Towards the tail.

Front

Superficial

Back

Toward or on the surface.

Front

Lumbar

Back

Lower back.

Front

Manual

Back

Hand.

Front

Vertebral

Back

Along the centerline of the back.

Front

Superior

Back

Towards the head.

Front

Medial

Back

Toward the midline of the body.

Front

Lateral

Back

Away from the midline of the body.

Front

Proximal

Back

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Front

Distal

Back

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.