Directional Terms

Abduction

Movement away from the midsagittal plane

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body

Adduction

Movement toward the midsagittal plane

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body

Medial

Pertaining to the midline

Lateral

Pertaining to the side

Superior

Toward the head

Inferior

Away from the head

Proximal

Nearer to the center/point of attachment

Distal

Further from the center/point of attachment

Anterior

Front of the body

Parietal

Outer wall of body cavity

Visceral

Pertaining to viscera (interal organs)

Prone

Lying face down

Supine

Lying face up

Inversion

Turning inside out

Eversion

Turning outward

Palmar

Pertaining to the palm

Plantar

Pertaining to the sole

Superficial

Toward the surface

Deep

Away from the surface