Anatomy and Physiology Anatomical Directions

Superior(cranial)

Refers to a position that is above another part of the body or closer to the head.

Inferior(caudal)

Refers to a position that is below another part of the body or closer to the feet.

Anterior(ventral)

Refers to a position that is toward the front of the body.

Posterior(dorsal)

Refers to a position that is towards the back of the body.

Medial

Towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Intermedial

Between a more medial and lateral structure.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body (the trunk).

Distal

Away from the origin of the body.

Superficial

Towards or at the body’s surface (external).

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body (internal).

Parietal

Pertaining to a wall of a body cavity.

Viceral

Pertaining to the covering of an organ.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for intense physical activity, stress, and emergency response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body down and conserves its energy once a threat or stressor has passed.

Cranial Cavity

Within the skull and encases the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

Within the vertebral column and encases the spinal cord.

Dorsal Cavity

Protects the nervous system and is divided into 2 subdivisions. One is the Cranial Cavity and the other is the Vertebral Cavity.

Ventral Cavity

Houses the internal organs and is divided into two subdivisions. Thoracic Cavity and Abdominopelvic Cavity.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Split into two sections called the Abdominal Cavity and Pelvic Cavity.