Body Cavities, Directional Terms

Front

Superior (Cranial)

Back

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Front

Inferior (Caudal)

Back

Away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.

Front

Anterior (Ventral)

Back

Toward the front of the body.

Front

Posterior (Dorsal)

Back

Toward the back of the body.

Front

Medial

Back

Toward the midline of the body.

Front

Lateral

Back

Away from the midline of the body.

Front

Intermediate

Back

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Front

Proximal

Back

Closer to the point of attachment to the trunk or to a given reference point.

Front

Distal

Back

Farther from the point of attachment to the trunk or to a given reference point.

Front

Superficial (External)

Back

Toward or at the body surface.