Anatomical directional terms

Definitions of body directional terms

Anatomical Position

A standard position of the body used as a reference point in anatomy, where the body is facing forward, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward, and feet point forward.

Superior

Refers to a position above or higher than another part of the body. Above toward the head. (Superior = skull)

Inferior

Refers to a position below or lower than another part of the body. The foot is inferior to the hand. Below or toward the bottom of body. (inferior = further)

Anterior

Refers to the front side of the body. Knee caps are anterior part of the body. Ventral.

Posterior

Refers to the back side of the body toward the back. Dorsal.

Medial

Refers to a position closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Refers to a position further away from the midline of the body. (closer to the side)

Proximal

Refers to a position closer to the centre/ trunk of the body or point of attachment. (The knee is proximal to the ankle) - knee closer to centre

Distal

Refers to a position further away from the centre/trunk of the body or point of attachment. (The wrist is distal to elbow) - wrist further from the centre than elbow

Superficial

Refers to a position closer to the surface of the body. (The skin superficial to muscles) (the skull superficial to brain) (superficial = surface)

Deep

Refers to a position further from the surface of the body. (The brain is deep within skull) (the heart is deep to the skin)

Palmar

Refers to the palm side of the hand.

Plantar

Refers to the sole of the foot.

Axial

Refers to the head and trunk of the body.

Appendicular

Refers to the limbs of the body. (Appendicular)

Cranial

Refers to anything pertaining to the skull or the head (toward the head). For example, the cranial cavity houses the brain.

Caudal

Refers to a position toward the tail or the lower part of the body. For example, in a quadruped anatomy, structures that are caudal are toward the tail end.