Anatomical Directions

Supine

laying down face up in the anatomical position

Prone

Laying down face down in the anatomical position

Superior

above; at a higher level; in the human body, towards the head

Inferior

Below; at a lower level; in the human body, towards the feet

Medial

towards the midline

Lateral

away from the midline; towards the outer parts

Deep

towards the interior of the body; farther from the surface

Superficial

At, near, or relatively close to the body surface

Proximal

towards an attatched base; a location closer to the center of the body or the origin of a structure

Distal

away from an attatched base; a location further from the center of the body or origin of a structure

Posterior/Dorsal

The back or rear of a structure or body (part)

Anterior/Ventral

the front of front surface of a structure or body (part)

Cranial/Cephalic

towards the head

Caudal

towards the tail

Visceral

(of a tissue) Closest to the exterior of the body/surface

Parietal

(of a tissue) closest to the interior of the body; furthest from the surface