1.6: directional terms

superior

Above another structure

Ex. Chin is superior to navel

inferior

below another structure

Ex. Navel is inferior to chin

cephalic

toward/closer to head

The chin is cephalic to the navel

Caudal

closer to the tail

The navel is caudal to the chin

anterior (ventral)

the front of the body

the navel is anterior to the spine

posterior (dorsal)

the back of the body

the spine is posterior to the breastbone

ventral

proximal

closer to the point of attachment

The elbow is proximal to the wrist

Distal

farther from the point of attachment

the wrist is distal to the elbow

lateral

away from the midline

the nipple is lateral to the breastbone

medial

toward the midline

the nose is medial to the eye

superficial

toward or on the surface

the skin is superficial to muscle

deep

away from the surface, internal

the lungs are deep to the ribs