General Terminology

Anterior -- the front of

Posterior -- the back of

Ventral-- the front of

Dorsal -- the back of

Proximal -- general term meaning nearer to

Distal -- general term meaning farther from

Lateral -- farther from midline

Medial -- nearer to midline

Superior -- higher

Inferior -- lower

Plantar -- the sole of the foot

Palmar -- the palm of the hand

Dorsum -- the top of the foot

Volar – pertaining to the palm of the hand or sole of the foot

Bilateral -- present on both sides

Symmetrical -- the same on both sides

Asymmetrical -- not the same on both sides

Supine -- lying face up

Prone -- lying face down

Cranial – toward the head

Caudal – toward the tail

Rostral—near the front of the body (typically a neurological term)