Movement in Anatomical Terms

the anatomical position

a stationary position, the universal starting point: all joints are in neutral position, palms and feet face forward

superior

refers to something that is above or higher than another body part (if no specification assume anatomical position)

inferior

refers to something that is below or lower than another body part

lateral

refers to a body part further away from the midline

midline

center of the sternum, straight line down the body from nose to belly button

medial

refers to a structure in the body closer to the midline

anterior

refers to a structure or body part in front of another body part

posterior

refers to a structure or body part behind another body part

proximal

closer to the trunk

distal

farther away from the trunk

dorsal

meaning top side of a structure or body part

plantar

underside of the foot

dorsal

top part of a structure of body part

prone

lying face down

supine

lying face up

central

situated towards the center

peripheral

situated away from the center

median

situated toward the midline of a structure

afferent

directed towards a center

efferent

directed away from a center

intermediate

situated between median (middle) and lateral (side)

deep

situated far beneath the surface of the skin

superficial

situated near the surface of the skin