PLTW HBS: Directional and Regional Terms

Anterior

Situated toward the front of the body

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal

Directional Terms

Terms used to explain where one body structure is in relation to another

Distal

Situated away from the point of attachment or origin or a central point; located away from the center of the body

Dorsal

Being or located near, on, or toward the back or posterior part of the human body

Identity

The distinguishing character or personality of an individual

Inferior

Situated below and closer to the feet than another and especially another similar part of an upright body especially of a human being

Lateral

Of or relating to the side; especially of a body part

Medial

Lying or extending in the middle; especially of a body part

Posterior

Situated at or toward the hind part of the body

Proximal

Situated next to or near the point of attachment or origin or a central point

Regional Terms

Anatomical terms that refer to specific visible landmarks on the surface of the body

Superficial

Of, relating to, or located near the surface

Superior

Situated toward the head and further away from the feet than another and especially another similar part of an upright body especially of a human being

System

A group of body organs or structures that together perform one or more vital functions

Ventral

Pertaining to the anterior or front side of the body; opposite of dorsal

Abdominal

Abdomen

Antecubital

Arm in front of the elbow

Axillary

Armpit

Brachial

Arm

Buccal

Cheek

Calcaneal

Heel

Carpal

Wrist

Cephalic

Head

Cervical

Neck

Coxal

Hip

Digital

Toes

Femoral

Thigh

Gluteal

Butt

Inguinal

Groin

Lumbar

lower back

Nasal

Nose

Occipital

Base of skull

Olecranal

Back of elbow

Oral

Mouth

Orbital

Eye

Patellar

Front of the knee

Pelvic

Pelvis

Popliteal

Back of the knee

Sacral

Between hips

Scapular

Shoulder blade

Sternal

Sternum

Tarsal

Ankle

Thoracic

Thorax

Umbilical

Navel

Vertebral

Spinal column