General Orientation of Human Body

Flashcards for reviewing anatomical orientation terms.

ANTERIOR

Front or forward-facing side of the body.

POSTERIOR

The back or rear side of the body.

MEDIAL

Structures closer to the midline of the body.

LATERAL

Structures farther from the midline of the body or towards the sides of the body.

SUPERIOR

A position above or higher than another part of the body.

INFERIOR

A position below or lower than another part of the body.

PROXIMAL

In relation to the point of attachment of a limb to the body, means closer.

DISTAL

In relation to the point of attachment of a limb to the body, means farther away.

Nose

is anterior to the ears.

Spine

is posterior to the chest.

Nose

is medial to the eyes.

Ears

are lateral to the eyes.

Eyes

are superior to the mouth.

The mouth

is inferior to the eyes

Shoulder

is proximal to the elbow

Fingers

are distal to the wrist