Language of Anatomy Terms

A collection of anatomical directional terms and their definitions based on the lecture laboratory notes.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body. Example: The Stemum is anterior to the heart.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body. Example: The Spine is posterior to the Stemum.

Inferior

Below another structure or toward the feet. Example: The pancreas is inferior to the Stomach.

Superior

Above another structure or toward the head. Example: The lung is Superior to the liver.

Medial

Toward the middle or center of the body. Example: The nose is Medial to the eyes.

Lateral

A position farther away from the center of the body. Example: The arms are lateral from the chest.

Distal

Farther away from the point of attachment. Example: The hands are distal from the shoulders.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment. Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of a body. Example: The Skin is superficial to the muscles.

Deep

Further away from the surface of the body (deeper). Example: The brain is deep to the skull.

Ventral

Toward the front or belly of the body. Example: The Chest is ventral to the spine.

Dorsal

Toward the back of the body. Example: The Shoulder blades are dorsal to the chest.