Directional Terms

Anterior

In front of; toward the front surface

Posterior

In back of; toward the back surface

Dorsal

Toward the back side of the human body

Ventral

Toward the belly side of the human body

Superior

Closer to the head

Inferior

Closer to the feet

Cranial (Cephalic)

At the head end

Caudal

Toward the back of the head

Rostral

Toward the nose or mouth

Medial

Toward the midline of the body

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body

Ipsilateral

On the same side

Contralateral

On the opposite side

Deep

Internal to another structure

Superficial

External to another structure

Proximal

Closest to point of attachment to trunk

Distal

Furthest from point of attachment to trunk