A&P 1 Directional Terms

Distal

Farther away from trunk (origin of the body)

Proximal

Closer to trunk (origin of body)

Lateral

Away from midline

Medial

Toward the longitudinal midline of the body

Inferior

Away from the head end

Superior

Toward the head end

Posterior

Toward the back of the body

Anterior

Toward the front of the body

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body

Contralateral

Opposite sides of the body

Visceral

Covers outer surface of organ

Parietal

Lines inner organ cavity

Central

Along central axis of body

Peripheral

Away from central axis

Superficial

Toward body’s surface

Deep

Internal to body, away from surface

Cranial

Toward head

Caudal

Away from head

Ventral

Toward the abdominal side

Dorsal

Toward the spinal column

Efferent

Carry/take away

Afferent

Bring toward