Medical Terminology: Anatomical Directions & Positions

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing key anatomical directions, body positions, and related surgical safety terms discussed in the lecture.

Anatomical Position

Standard reference stance: body upright, facing forward, arms at sides with palms, face and feet pointing forward.

Bilateral Symmetry

Body plan with right and left sides that mirror each other; all right/left terms refer to the PATIENT’S sides, not the observer’s.

Midline

Imaginary vertical line dividing the body into right and left halves.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body; synonym of ventral when used consistently.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body; synonym of dorsal when used consistently.

Ventral

Toward the belly (front) side; pair with dorsal, not posterior.

Dorsal

Toward the back side; pair with ventral, not anterior.

Superior

Toward the head or a higher structure; opposite of inferior.

Inferior

Toward the feet or a lower structure; opposite of superior.

Cranial

Direction toward the skull; equivalent to superior in most contexts.

Cephalic

Toward the head; interchangeable with cranial and superior.

Caudal

Toward the tail/feet; equivalent to inferior.

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Farther from the midline of the body.

Median

Located exactly on the midline (e.g., umbilicus).

Superficial

Closer to or on the body surface; external.

Deep

Farther from the body surface; internal.

External

Situated on or near the outside; synonym for superficial.

Internal

Situated within or on the inside; synonym for deep.

Proximal

Nearer to a limb’s point of attachment or to the trunk.

Distal

Farther from a limb’s point of attachment or from the trunk.

Supine

Lying on the back, face and palms up.

Prone

Lying on the abdomen, face down.

Lateral Position

Side-lying posture; must specify right or left side contacting the table.

Right/Left (Clinical)

Always referenced to the PATIENT’S right or left, not the observer’s.

Sentinel Event

Serious, preventable incident (e.g., operating on the wrong limb) that should never occur.

Surgical Time-Out

Pre-procedure pause verifying patient identity, procedure, site, side, allergies, implants, and other safety elements.