Anatomical Terms

Superior

Superior

“Above” something else

Inferior

“Below” something else

Anterior (Ventral)

Towards your front

Posterior (Dorsal)

Towards your back

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or attachment point

Distal

Farther from the trunk or attachment point

Central

Toward the brain or spinal cord

Peripheral

Away from the brain or spinal cord (toward the limbs)

Superficial

Close to the body surface (ex. bruises)

Deep

Closer to the inside of the body (ex. bones)

Medial

Towards the middle

Lateral

Away from the middle (towards a side)

Supine

Body laying face up

Prone

Body laying face down

Planes of the body

Imaginary flat surface passing through the body

Sagittal (Median) Plane

Divides into left and right portions

Midsaggital Plane

Passes through the midline of the body

Parassaggital Plane

A cut that does not pass through the midline

Frontal (Coronal) plane

Divides body into anterior and posterior sections

Transverse (Horizontal Plane)

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions (Horizontally)