Vet Med Directional Terms

Caudal

toward the tail of the body

Cranial

toward the head of the body

Distal

away from the center of the body (farther from the body)

Dorsal

toward the back of the body (spinal area)

Lateral

side of the body; toward the outside

Medial

toward the midline (inside)

Palmar

Front limb

Plantar

Rear limb

Proximal

toward the body

Rostral

toward the nose

Ventral

toward the abdomen of the body (belly)

Dorsal Recumbency

lying on back

Sternal recumbency

Lying on stomach

Superficial/External

closer to surface of body (EX: Skin is superficial to the muscles)

Deep/Internal

farther from the surface of the body (EX: muscles are deep to the skin)