Directional Terminology

Superior

Above; at a higher level

Inferior

Below; at a lower level

Anterior/ventral

Toward the front or anterior surface of the body

Posterior/dorsal

Toward the back or posterior surface of the body

Medial

Toward the midsagittal plane

Lateral

Away from the midsagittal plane

Proximal

Toward a reference point or source within the body

Distal

Away from a reference point or source within the body

Superficial

Near the body surface

Deep

Farther into the body and away from the body surface

Cranial/cephalic

Toward the head

Caudal

Toward the feet

Rostral

Toward the nose

Ipsilateral

On the same side

Contralateral

On the opposite side

Thenar

The fleshy part of the hand at the base of the thumb

Volar

Pertaining to the palm of the hand or flexor surface of the wrist or
the sole of the foot

Palmar

The front or palm of the hand

Plantar

The sole of the foot