Medical Terminology System Directional Terms

Superior

• Above
• Below
• Toward Surface
• Toward Core

Inferior

• Above
• Below
• Toward Surface
• Toward Core

Superficial

• Above
• Below
• Toward Surface
• Toward Core

Deep

• Above
• Below
• Toward Surface
• Toward Core

Dorsal

• Toward the Back
• Toward the Front
• Toward the Trunk
• Away from the Trunk

Ventral

• Toward the Back
• Toward the Front
• Toward the Trunk
• Away from the Trunk

Proximal

• Toward the Back
• Toward the Front
• Toward the Trunk
• Away from the Trunk

Distal

• Toward the Back
• Toward the Front
• Toward the Trunk
• Away from the Trunk

Medial

• Toward Middle
• Toward Side
• Toward Front
• Toward Back

Lateral

• Toward Middle
• Toward Side
• Toward Front
• Toward Back