Anatomical Positions-Body Planes

Front

Superficial (external)

Back

toward or at the body surface.

Front

Medial

Back

Closer to the midline of the body.

Front

Inferior

Back

Below or lower than another part of the body.

Front

Proximal

Back

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Front

Superior

Back

Above or higher than another part of the body.

Front

Deep

Back

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Front

Lateral

Back

Away from the midline of the body.

Front

Distal

Back

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Front

Prone

Back

Lying face down.

Front

Supine

Back

Lying face up.