DIRECTIONAL TERMS

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body; think “superhero flies UP”

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part of the body; inferior = below

Anterior

Toward the front of the body; “A-head” = front

Posterior

Toward the back of the body; post = after → back

Medial

Toward the middle of the body; medial = middle

Lateral

Away from the middle of the body; lateral = sides

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or point of attachment; pro = close

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of attachment; distance = far

Ventral

Toward the belly/front of the body; vent = belly

Dorsal

Toward the back of the body; dorsal fin = back

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body; surface level

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body; deep inside

Right

The patient’s right side (anatomical position)

Left

The patient’s left side (anatomical position)