Directional Terms

Superior

Toward the head / upper part of the body. Example: The chest is superior to the abdomen.

What does Inferior mean?

Toward the feet / lower part of the body.
Example: The stomach is inferior to the heart.

What does Anterior mean?

Toward the front of the body.
Example: The sternum is anterior to the heart.

What does Posterior mean?

Toward the back of the body.
Example: The spine is posterior to the heart.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.
Example: The nose is medial to the eyes.

Lateral

Away from the midline.
Example: The ears are lateral to the eyes.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment/trunk.
Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment/trunk.
Example: The fingers are distal to the elbow.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.
Example: Skin is superficial to muscle.

Deep

Farther inside the body.
Example: Muscle is deep to the skin.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.
Example: The right arm and right leg are ipsilateral.

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body.
Example: The right arm and left leg are contralateral.