Anatomy and Physiology

Superior

Above

Inferior

Below

Anterior (ventral)

toward the front

Posterior (dorsal)

toward the back

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment

Distal

farther from the point of attachment

Central

Towards the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral

away from the brain or spinal cord

Superficial

near the surface

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal

Medial

Toward the middle

Lateral

Away from the middle

Supine

lying face up

Prone

lying face down

Cephalic

Head

Frontal

forehead

Orbital

eye

Buccal

cheek

Mental

chin

Facial

Limited to the face

Occipital

back of head

Cervical

front of neck

Nuchal

Back of neck

Celiac

abdomen

Mammary

Breast

Sternal

area in the center of your chest, the sternum

Pectoral

Area around your breast

Costal

Ribs

Inguinal

Groin

Genital

reproductive organs

Coxal

Hip

Dorsum

The Back

Vertebral

area of spinal column

Interscapular

between shoulder blades

Lumbar

lower back

Sacral

between hips

perineal

region between the anus and pubic arch

Acromial

point of shoulder

Brachial

arm

Anticubital

front of elbow

Cubital

elbow

Antebrachium

forearm

Palmer

palm

Axillary

Armpit

Digital

fingers

Gluteal

buttocks

Femoral

thigh

Popliteal

back of knee

Pateller

Knee

Crural

leg

Plantar

sole of foot

Pedal

foot