Direction & Regional Terms - Human Body Systems

Superior

Toward the head / upper part of the body (above).

Inferior

Away from the head / lower part of the body (below).

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body (toward the side).

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or trunk of the body.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or trunk of the body.

Superficial

Closer to or on the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther away from the surface; more internal.

Ventral

Front side (often used in animals, but in humans = anterior).

Dorsal

Back side (in humans = posterior).

Abdominal

Pertaining to the abdomen; the region between the thorax and pelvis.

Antecubital

Pertaining to the anterior surface of the elbow (cubital fossa).

Axillary

Pertaining to the armpit.

Brachial

Pertaining to the arm (upper arm).

Buccal

Pertaining to the cheek.

Calcaneal

Pertaining to the heel of the foot.

Carpal

Pertaining to the wrist.

Cephalic

Pertaining to the head.

Cervical

Pertaining to the neck.

Coxal

Pertaining to the hip.

Digital

Pertaining to the fingers or toes.

Femoral

Pertaining to the thigh.

Gluteal

Pertaining to the buttock.

Inguinal

Pertaining to the groin area.

Lumbar

Pertaining to the lower back (loin).

Nasal

Pertaining to the nose.

Occipital

Pertaining to the posterior aspect of the head (base of the skull).

Olecranal

Pertaining to the posterior aspect of the elbow (point of elbow).

Oral

Pertaining to the mouth.

Orbital

Pertaining to the eye or eye socket.

Patellar

Pertaining to the anterior knee (kneecap).

Pelvic

Pertaining to the pelvis.

Popliteal

Pertaining to the posterior knee (behind the knee).

Sacral

Pertaining to the sacrum (posterior region between hips).

Scapular

Pertaining to the shoulder blade area.

Sternal

Pertaining to the sternum (breastbone).

Tarsal

Pertaining to the ankle.

Thoracic

Pertaining to the chest (thorax).

Umbilical

Pertaining to the navel (belly button).

Vertebral

Pertaining to the spinal column.