General Terminology

Anterior

the front

Posterior

the back

ventral

front of

dorsal

back of

proximal

close to towards the trunk

distal

away from the trunk

lateral

farther from the midline or midsagittal plane

medial

nearer to the midline or midsagittal plane

superior

upper or above

inferior

lower or below

superficial

situated near the surface

deep

situated deep beneath the surface

plantar

the sole of the foot

palmar

the palm of the hand

dorsum

the top of the foot

volar

pertaining to the palm of the hand or sole of the foot

bilateral

present on both sides

symmetrical

the same on both sides

asymmetrical

not the same on both sides

supine

lying face up

prone

lying face down

cranial

towards the head

caudal

towards the tail

rostral

near the front of the body/often the nose or brow

transverse

situated at a right angle to the long axis of a structure

longitudinal

parallel to the long axis of a structure

horizontal

parallel to the plane of the horizon