Anatomical Directions

Anterior

Front or forward end of the body.

Posterior

Rear or trailing end of the body.

Dorsal

Top or upper side of the body.

Ventral

Bottom or underside of the body.

Medial

Lying on or near the midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline.

Superior

At a higher position or location.

Inferior

At a lower position or location.

Superficial

Lying at or near the surface.

Deep

Lying away from the surface.

Proximal

Lying nearer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Lying away from the point of attachment.

Cranial

Pertaining to the head.

Caudal

Pertaining to the tail.

Coronal Plane (Frontal Plane)

Divides the body into dorsal (posterior) and ventral (anterior) sections.

Sagittal Plane (Lateral Plane)

Divides the body into left and right sections.

Axial Plane (Transverse Plane)

Divides the body into anterior and posterior or superior and inferior sections.