directional terms

transverse plane

an imaginary line that divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts

sagittal plane

an imaginary vertical line that divides the body into right and left halves

coronal plane

an imaginary plane dividing the body into dorsal and ventral parts.

superior

Above

Anterior

towards front of body - where head faces

ventral

towards front of body - way chest faces

posterior

toward back of body - where back of head is

dorsal

toward back of body - way spine faces

cranial

towards head

caudal

towards feet

medial

towards middle of body (towards midline)

lateral

Away from the midline of the body

Proximal

refers to a location closer to the trunk of the body or the point of origin of a limb, organ, or structure

Distal

Further from the origin of a limb