Terminology

Anatomical Terminology

• Distal: Refers to a point that is farther from the point of attachment of the limbs, indicating a particular location on the body.

• Superficial: Closer to the body surface; often refers to structures that are more external.

• Deep: Indicates a position that is farther from the body surface, often describing internal structures.

Directional Terms

• Superior: Refers to a structure being above another structure.

• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment of a limb or closer to the trunk of the body.

• Medial: Refers to being closer to the midline of the body.

• Lateral: Refers to being away from the midline or towards the sides of the body.

Orientation in Body Positioning

• Frontal Plane: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

• Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

• Anterior: Refers to the front side of the body; often called the ventral side.

• Posterior: Refers to the back side of the body; often called the dorsal side.