Direction and Movement (Terminology)

Anterior

Situated in front of or directed toward the front

Posterior

(dorsal) rear or back

superior

upper, nearer to crown of head

inferior

lower, farther from the crown of head

external

outside

internal

inside

superficial

nearer to the surface

deep

farther from the surface

midline

divides body into right and left sides

medial

nearer to the midline

lateral

farther from the midline

proximal

nearer to the limb root

distal

farther from the limb root

palmar

concerning palm of the hand

plantar

concerning the sole of the foot

volar

used to refer to the palm of the hand or sole of foot

abduction

draws away from the midline

adduction

draws toward the midline

flexion

bending or angulation

extension

straightening out

inverted

turned inward

everted

turned outward

supination

turning of palm or foot upward

pronation

turning of hand so palm faces downward