Anatomical Directional Terms

Fill in the blank: Towards the head or upper part of a structure is called ________. Example: The heart is ________ to the diaphragm.

• Superior

• Inferior

• Posterior

• Lateral

Fill in the blank: Away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure is called ________. Example: The stomach is ________ to the esophagus.

• Inferior

• Superior

• Anterior

• Posterior

Fill in the blank: Toward or at the front of the body is called ________. Example: The breastbone is ________ to the spine.

• Anterior

• Posterior

• Lateral

• Inferior

Fill in the blank: Toward or at the back of the body is called ________. Example: The heart is ________ to the sternum.

• Posterior

• Anterior

• Lateral

• Medial

Fill in the blank: Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of is called ________. Example: The nose is ________ to the eyes.

• Medial

• Lateral

• Distal

• Superior

Fill in the blank: Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of is called ________. Example: The ears are ________ to the nose.

• Lateral

• Medial

• Distal

• Proximal

Fill in the blank: Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk is called ________. Example: The elbow is ________ to the wrist.

• Proximal

• Distal

• Inferior

• Superficial

Fill in the blank: Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk is called ________. Example: The fingers are ________ to the wrist.

• Distal

• Proximal

• Medial

• Inferior

Fill in the blank: Toward or at the body surface is called ________ (External). Example: The skin is ________ to the muscles.

• Superficial

• Deep

• Medial

• Lateral

Fill in the blank: Away from the body surface; more internal is called ________ (Internal). Example: The bones are ________ to the muscles.

• Deep

• Superficial

• Lateral

• Distal