Understanding Body Directional Terms

A body part is above another part, or is closer to the head

• Superficial

• Lateral

• Superior

• Deep

Which term describes the position of the body when it is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward?

• Prone Position

• Supine Position

• Anatomical Position

• Lateral Position

Which term refers to a structure being closer to the head or higher than another structure in the body?

• Inferior

• Superior

• Anterior

• Posterior

Which term refers to a structure being closer to the feet or lower than another structure in the body?

• Superior

• Inferior

• Anterior

• Posterior

Which term refers to a structure being in front of another structure in the body?

• Posterior

• Anterior

• Superior

• Inferior

Which term refers to a structure being behind another structure in the body?

• Anterior

• Posterior

• Superior

• Inferior

Which term refers to a structure being closer to the midline of the body?

• Lateral

• Medial

• Proximal

• Distal

Which term refers to a structure being farther from the midline of the body?

• Medial

• Lateral

• Proximal

• Distal

Which term refers to a structure being closer to the point of attachment or to the trunk of the body?

• Distal

• Proximal

• Medial

• Lateral

Which term refers to a structure being farther from the point of attachment or from the trunk of the body?

• Proximal

• Distal

• Medial

• Lateral