Directions and Planes

Superior

Body part is located above another part, towards the head

Inferior

Body part below another part, or toward the feet

Medial

Body part closer to the midline of the body compared to another part

Lateral

Body part is farther away from the midline, to the side of another body part

Proximal

Body part is closer to a specific point of origin or attachment, or closer to the trunk

Distal

Body part is further away from a point of origin or attachment, or farther from the trunk

Superficial

Body part is located closer to the surface than another (external)

Deep

Body part is located farther from the surface than another (internal)

Central

Body part is situated at the center of the body or organ

Peripheral

Body part is situated away from the center of the body or organ

Anterior (Ventral)

Body part is located toward the front

Posterior (Dorsal)

Body part is located toward the back

Ipsilateral

Body part is on the same side of the body as another part

Contralateral

Body part is on the opposite side of the body from another body part

Sagittal (median) plane

Divides the body into left and right portions

Midsagittal plane

Divides into L and R portions directly through the midline of the body

Parasagittal plane

Divided into L and R portions outside the midline of the body creating parasagittal/paramedian sections

Frontal (coronal) plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions

Transverse (horizontal) plane

Perpendicular to the body’s long axis, dividing the body into superior and inferior portions