Directional Terms and Body Planes

Front

What does 'superficial' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a structure that is closer to the surface of the body.

Front

What does 'deep' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a structure that is further away from the surface of the body.

Front

What does 'inferior' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position that is below another part of the body.

Front

What does 'superior' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position that is above another part of the body.

Front

What does 'lateral' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position that is away from the midline of the body.

Front

What does 'medial' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position that is closer to the midline of the body.

Front

What does 'anterior' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position that is towards the front of the body.

Front

What does 'posterior' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position that is towards the back of the body.

Front

What does 'proximal' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position that is closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Front

What does 'distal' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

Refers to a position that is further away from the point of attachment or origin.