Anatomical Terminology

Superior

A part that is above another part (also called cranial)

Inferior

A part that is below another part (also called caudal)

Anterior/Ventral

Toward the front

Posterior/Dorsal

Toward the back

Medial

A position that is closer to the imaginary midline

Lateral

A position further from the imaginary midline

Proximal

Nearer to trunk or point of attachment

Distal

Away from trunk or point of attachment

Longitudinal

Along the long axis

Cross/transverse

Across long axis

Sagittal

Divides left/right

Frontal/Coronal

Middle of body, anterior and posterior separated

Transverse

Cuts at torso-ish area

Midsagittal

Divides into fairly equal parts

Liver Quadrant

Right upper quadrant

Stomach Quadrant

Left upper quadrant

Spleen Quadrant

Left upper quadrant

Appendix quadrant

right lower quadrant

Small intestine quadrant

right lower quadrant & left lower quadrant

Pancreas quadrant

left upper quadrant

Frontal

Orbital

Nasal

Cervical

Brachial

Carpal

Digital

Thoracic

Abdominal

Femoral

Crural

Pedal

Digital

Dorsal

Popliteal

Femoral

Calcaneal

1?

Cranial Cavity

2?

Dorsal Cavity

3?

Vertebral Canal

4?

Thoracic Cavity

5?

Diaphragm

6?

Abdominal cavity

7?

Pelvic Cavity