Directional Terms in Anatomy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to directional anatomy, including definitions and examples.

Superior

Above; in a higher position; toward the top of the head.

Cranial

Toward the head.

Inferior

Below; in a lower position; toward the soles of the feet.

Caudal

Toward the bottom of the spine (coccyx) or the inferior of the body.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Ventral

Toward or on the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Dorsal

Toward or on the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Farther from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or to a given reference point.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or to a given reference point.

Superficial

Toward the surface of the body or a structure.

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body or a structure.

External

Farther from the center of an organ or cavity.

Internal

Closer to the center of an organ or cavity.

The atria of the heart are __ to the ventricles.

Superior

The cervical vertebrae are __ to the thoracic vertebrae.

Cranial

The diaphragm is __ to the thorax.

Inferior

The sacrum is __ to the lumbar vertebrae.

Caudal

The sternum is __ to the spine.

Anterior

The abdominal wall is __ to the visceral organs.

Ventral

The kidneys are __ to the intestines.

Posterior

The esophagus is __ to the trachea.

Dorsal

The ring finger is __ to the index finger.

Medial

The ears are __ to the nose.

Lateral

The elbow is __ to the wrist.

Proximal

The ankle is __ to the knee.

Distal

The epidermis is __ to the dermis.

Superficial

The retina is __ to the lens of the eye.

Deep

The cornea is __ to the lens of the eye.

External

The midbrain is __ to the cortex of the brain.

Internal