Directional terms

Directional Terms

Terms that are used to describe body parts or different body sections

Superior

Up and above (something)

Inferior

Down or below (something)

Medial

Towards the midline (imaginary line that divides the body into left or right sides)

Lateral

Towards the sides/away from the midline

Anterior

In front of (more towards the front then the back)

Posterior

Back or behind (more towards the back then the front)

Where is the point of attachment?

Either the shoulders or hips

Proximal

Towards point of attachment (must be 2 points on the same limb)

Distal

Away from point of attachment (must be 2 points on the same limb)

Superficial

Close to the surface of the skin

Deep

Away from the surface of the skin