Anatomy Regional and Directional Terms

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body

Inferior

Toward lower part of the body

Anterior

Toward or at the front of the body

Posterior

Toward or at the back of the body

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body

Intermediate

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal

Frontal

Forehead

Orbital

Eye

Nasal

Nose

Oral

Mouth

Mental

Chin

Cervical

Neck

Sternal

Breastbone

Axillary

Armpit

Mammary

Breast

Umbilical

Navel

Inguinal

Groin

Acromial

Point of Shoulder

Brachial

Arm

Olecranial

Back of Elbow

Antebrachial

Forearm

Carpal

Wrist

Pollex

Thumb

Metacarpal

Bones Between the Carpal and Digital

Palmar

Palm

Digital

Fingers or Toes

Coxal

Hip

Femoral

Thigh

Patellar

Anterior Knee

Popliteal

Back of Knee

Crural

Leg

Sural

Calf

Fibular/Peroneal

Side of Leg

Tarsal

Ankle

Calcaneal

Heel

Metatarsal

Bones Between Ankle and Toes

Digital

Finger and Toes

Plantar

Sole

Hallux

Great Toe

Otic

Ear

Occipital

Back of Head or Base of Skull

Cervical

Neck

Scapular

Shoulder Blade

Vertebral

Spinal Column

Lumbar

Loin

Sacral

Between Hips

Gluteal

Buttock

Perineal

Between Anus and External Genitalia