Anatomy Directional Terms

Superior (cranial or cephalad)

Towards the head end or upper part of the structure or the body; above

Inferior (caudal)

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below

Ventral (anterior)

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of

Dorsal (posterior)

Toward or at the backside of the body; behind

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of

Intermediate

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Proximal

Close to the origin of the body part or point of attachment to a limb to the body trunk

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal

Sagittal Section

A section that divides the body or organ into left and right parts

Median or Midsagittal Section

A section that divides the body or organ into equal left and right parts

Frontal or Coronal Section

A section that divides the body or organ into anterior and posterior parts

Transverse or Cross Section

A section that divides the body or organ into superior and inferior parts

Dorsal Body Cavity

Cranial cavity and Spinal cavity

Cranial Cavity

Cavity that houses the brain

Spinal Cavity

Cavity that houses the spinal cord

Ventral Body Cavity

Thoracic cavity and Abdominopelvic cavity

Thoracic Cavity

Cavity that houses the heart, lungs, and others

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Cavity that houses digestive system and most urinary system organs