Directional Terms

Anterior (Ventra)

At or near the front of the body (front view)

Posterior (Dorsal)

At or near the back of the body (back view)

Midline

Imaginary vertical line that divides the body equally (down the middle)

Lateral

Farther from midline/away from midlineN

Medial

Nearer to midline/toward midline

Intermediate

between medial ands lateral

Superior

Toward the head/upper part of a structure

Inferior

away from head/lower part of a structure

Superficial

close to surface of body

Proximal

near origin of structureiD

Distal

farther from origin of structure

Ipsilateral

same side of body

Contralateral

Opposite side of body

Visceral

pertaining to a covering over an organ

Parietal

Pertaining to a covering against a cavity wall

Anatomical Position

body is upright facing observer, feet flat, facing forward, arms at sides with palms up

Prone Position

face down

Supine Position

face up

Epi

on top of or near

Peri

around or about

Circum

around

An

without

Hypo

below

Hyper

above