Directional Terms + Types of Tissue

Anatomical Position

Anatomical Position

neutral position; standing erect, arms at the side, palms facing forward

Anterior / Ventral

pertaining to the front

Posterior / Dorsal

pertaining to the back

Superior

pertaining to above

Inferior

pertaining to below

Lateral

pertaining to the side

Medial

pertaining to the middle

Superficial

pertaining to toward or on the surface

Deep

pertaining to away from the body surface

Proximal

pertaining to near the point of attachment of a body part

Distal

pertaining to away from the point of attachment of a body part

Supine

lying on the back, face up

Prone

lying on the back, facing down

Frontal

divides the body into front and back portions

Sagittal

divides the body into right and left sides

Midsagittal

divides the body into right and left halves

Transverse

divides the body into upper and lower portions

Nerve Tissue

sends impulses to/from the central nervous system and to/from the body systems

Epithelial Tissue

forms the outer skin and lines body cavities and passages to the outside of the body (secretes, absorbs)

Connective Tissue

binds, supports, and connects body tissues (bones, tendons, fat, cartilage)

Muscle Tissue

cardiac, smooth, and striated

Cardiac Muscle

heart muscle

Smooth Muscle

lines internal organs

Striated Tissue

skeletal, provides movement