Directional Terms in Anatomy

Front

Directional Term: Superior

Back

Definition: Towards the head.

Front

Directional Term: Inferior

Back

Definition: Away from the head, towards the feet.

Front

Anterior (ventral)

Back

Towards the front.

Front

Posterior (dorsal)

Back

Towards the back.

Front

Medial

Back

Closer to the body's midline.

Front

Lateral

Back

Away from the body's midline.

Front

Proximal

Back

Closer to the point of attachment.

Front

Distal

Back

Further away from the point of attachment.

Front

Directional Terms: Bilateral

Back

Bilateral refers to affecting both sides.

Front

Directional Terms: Unilateral

Back

Unilateral refers to affecting one side.