Directional Terms, Body Cavities, Body Planes

Front

What is the anatomical position?

Back

A person standing up facing forward with palms upward.

Front

What does 'lateral' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

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

Front

What does 'medial' mean in anatomical terms?

Back

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

Front

What does 'proximal' mean?

Back

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

Front

What does 'distal' mean?

Back

Refers to a position farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Front

What does 'anterior' mean?

Back

Refers to the front of the body.

Front

What does 'posterior' mean?

Back

Refers to the back of the body.

Front

What does 'superior' mean?

Back

Refers to a position above or higher than another part of the body.

Front

What does 'inferior' mean?

Back

Refers to a position below or lower than another part of the body.

Front

What is the definition of 'ventral'?

Back

Refers to the front or belly side of the body.