Directional Terms - Sports Science

Superior

Toward the head or the upper part of a structure

Inferior

Away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure

Posterior

Nearer to or at the back of the body

Anterior

Nearer to or at the front of the body

Medial

Closest to the midline of the body or structure

Lateral

Furthest from the midline of the body or structure

Proximal

Nearest to the attachment of the limb to the trunk

Distal

Furthest from the attachment of the limb to the trunk

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface