position and direction terms anatomy

anatomical position

A standard position of the body used in anatomy as a reference point, where the body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

superior

toward head (upper or above)

inferior

toward the feet (lower or below)

anterior (ventral)

further to the front ( in front of the body)

posterior ( dorsal)

further to the back (behind)

medial

toward the middle line of the body

lateral

toward the side of the body

lateral view

viewing the body from the side

axial body

head, neck, torso

appendicular body

limbs and their attachments to the axial skeleton

proximal

closer to the axial ( head, neck, torso)

distal

further from axial

superficial

closer to surface of body

deep

further from the surface of the body

supine

lying on the back, face up

prone

lying face down