terms for Body position chapter 2
Terms for Describing Body Position
1. Superior or Cephalic
Example: The adrenal glands are superior to the kidneys.
Definition: More toward the head or above another structure.
2. Inferior or Caudal
Example: The intestine is inferior to the heart.
Definition: More toward the feet or tail, or below another structure.
3. Anterior or Ventral
Example: The navel is located on the anterior surface of the body.
Definition: More toward the belly or front side of the body.
4. Posterior or Dorsal
Example: The posterior wall of the right kidney was excised.
Definition: More towards the back of the body or the spinal cord.
5. Medial
Example: The heart is medially located in the chest cavity.
Definition: Referring towards the middle or near middle of the body.
6. Lateral
Example: The ovaries are located lateral to the uterus.
Definition: Pertaining to the side.
7. Proximal
Example: The elbow is proximal to the hand.
Definition: Located nearer to the point of attachment to the body.
8. Distal
Example: The hand is distal to the elbow.
Definition: Located farther away from the point of attachment to the body.
9. Apex
Example: Being able to hear the heart beat when listening over the apex of the chest.
Definition: Tip or summit of an organ.
10. Base
Example: On the x-ray, a fracture was noted on the base of the skull.
Definition: Bottom or lower part of an organ.
11. Superficial
Example: Body regions are superficial.
Definition: More towards the surface of the body.
12. Deep
Example: An incision into an abdominal organ is a deep incision.
Definition: Further away from the surface of the body.
13. Supine
Example: The patient was in the supine position for a pelvic surgery.
Definition: The body lying horizontal and facing upward.
14. Prone
Example: The patient was in the prone position for a spinal surgery.
Definition: The body laying horizontally and facing downward.