Directional Terms Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining basic anatomical directional terms along with context examples.

Superior (cranial)

Toward the upper part; above. (Ex. The chin is superior to the abdomen.)

Inferior (caudal)

Away from the upper part, toward the lower part; below. (Ex. The knees are inferior to the navel.)

Anterior (ventral)

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of. (Ex. The chin is anterior to the spine.)

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward or at the back of the body; behind. (Ex. The spine is posterior to the heart.)

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of. (Ex. The heart is medial to the arm.)

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of. (Ex. The arms are lateral to the chest.)

Intermediate

In between.

Proximal

Closer to the point where a limb attaches to the body trunk. (Ex. The elbow is proximal to the wrist.)

Distal

Farther from the point where the limb attaches to the body trunk. (Ex. The toes are distal to the knee.)

Superficial (external)

Toward or at the body surface. (Ex. The skin is superficial to the bones.)

Deep (internal)

Away from the body surface. (Ex. The heart is deep to the ribcage.)