Anatomical and Directional Terminology

Front

Superior

Back

above or upper

Front

Inferior

Back

below or under

Front

Anterior (ventral)

Back

the front of the body

Front

Posterior (dorsal)

Back

the back of the body

Front

Medial

Back

towards the midline of the body

Front

Lateral

Back

away from the midline of the body

Front

Proximal

Back

closer to the point of attachment

Front

Distal

Back

farther from the point of attachment

Front

Superficial

Back

or at the body surface

Front

Deep

Back

from the body surface; more internal