Directional, Regional, and Anatomical Terms

Anterior

front of body

Deep

away from body surface, internal

Directional Terms

terms used to explain where one body structure is in relation to another.

Distal

situated away from the point of attachment or origin or a central point; located away from the center of the body

Dorsal

located near, on, or toward the back or posterior part of the human body, opposite of ventral

Identity

the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.

Inferior

situated below and closer to the feet than another and especially another similar part of an upright body especially of a human being.

Lateral

relating the side

Medial

relating to the middle

Posterior

back of the body

Proximal

situated next to or near the point of attachment or origin or a central point

Regional Terms

anatomical terms that refer to specific visible landmarks on the surface of the body

Superficial

near the surface

Superior

situated above and closer to the head than another and especially another similar part of an upright body especially of a human being.

System

a group of body functions that together perform one or more vital functions

Ventral

pertaining to the anterior(front) of the body, opposite of dorsal.

Abdominal

belly

Antecubital

inner elbow

Axillary

armpit

Brachial

arms

Buccal

cheek

Calcaneal

heel

Carpal

wrists

Cephalic

head

Cervical

neck

Coxal

hip

Digital

fingers/toes

Femoral

thigh

Gluteal

butt

Inguinal

genitals

Lumbar

lower back

Nasal

nose

Occipital

back of head

Olecranal

elbow

Oral

mouth

Orbital

eyes

Patellar

knee cap

Pelvic

hip(bowl)

Popliteal

back of knees

Sacral

tailbone

Scapular

shoulder blade

Sternal

chest

Tarsal

ankle

Thoracic

chest cavity front and back

Umbilical

belly button

Vertebral

twist/turn