Anatomy & Physiology

Superior

Above or toward the head. Also called cranial.

Inferior

Below or away from the head. Also called caudal.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body. Also called ventral.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body. Also called dorsal.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline, toward the side of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of attachment.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body.

Unilateral

Involving one side of the body.

Bilateral

Involving both sides of the body.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body.

Infra-

Under or below.

Hypo-

Under or below.

Sub-

Beneath or under.

External

On the outside.

Internal

On the inside.

Inferolateral

Below and away from the body’s midline.

Rostral

Toward the nose or front of the cerebrum.

Caudal

Toward the back of the cerebrum.

Ventral

Toward the front or belly side.

Dorsal

Toward the back.

Palmar

Palm side of the hand.

Volar

Another term for the palm side of the hand.

Radial

Thumb side of the hand.

Ulnar

Little-finger side of the hand.

Plantar

Sole or underside of the foot.

Dorsum

Top surface of the foot.

Coronal plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right portions.

Midsagittal plane

Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Horizontal axis

Runs from left to right.

Vertical axis

Runs from inferior to superior.

Sagittal axis

Runs from anterior to posterior.

Anatomical position

Standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and feet pointing forward.

Midline

Imaginary vertical line dividing the body into left and right sides.