Gomez Positions, directions & planes of the body

anterior

Referring to a position toward the front of the body or structure.

Posterior (dorsal)

Referring to a position toward the back of the body or structure.

deep

Referring to a position away from the body surface or toward the interior of a structure.

superficial

Referring to a position close to the body surface or toward the exterior of a structure.

proximal

Referring to a position closer to the point of attachment or closer to the trunk of the body.

distal

Referring to a position further from the point of attachment or further from the trunk of the body.

inferior

Referring to a position lower or below another structure in relation to the body.

superior

Referring to a position higher or above another structure in relation to the body.

medial

Referring to a position closer to the midline of the body or toward the center.

lateral

Referring to a position farther from the midline of the body or toward the sides.

supine

Referring to a position where a person is lying face up on their back.

prone

Referring to a position where a person is lying face down on their stomach.

frontal (coronal)

Referring to a position or view from the front, often related to the anterior aspect of the body.

sagittal (lateral)

Referring to a position or view that divides the body into left and right parts, often perpendicular to the frontal plane.

transverse (cross-sectional or axial)

Referring to a position or view that divides the body into upper and lower parts, typically in a horizontal plane.