physiology directional terms

superior (what direction does superman fly in?)

above

inferior (what's another word for when your social status is lower than another?)

below

anterior

in front

posterior

behind

medial (medial rhymes with middle)

towards the midline

lateral (opposite of medial)

away from the midline (to the side)

proximal (closer)

closer to the trunk (applies to a limb)

distal (distance)

further from the trunk (applies to a limb)

superficial

toward the surface (ex. skin)

deep

away from the surface; internal (ex. bones)

sagittal

separates the left and right sides of the body

coronal (frontal)

separates the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the body

transverse

separates the upper (superior) and lower (inferior) halves of the body

anatomical position

standing upright, palms facing forward

prone

face-down

supine

face-up

dorsal

relating to the back side of the body

ventral

relating to the front side of the body

anterior/ posterior

directional terms indicating front and back

medial / lateral

directional terms indicating midline and side

proximal / distal

directional terms indicating closeness and distance from the trunk

superficial / deep

directional terms indicating surface and internal