Orientation and directional terms (Anatomy)

towards the head and or upper part of a structure of the body; above

• Inferior (Caudal)

• Superior (Cranial)

• Anterior (Ventral)

• Posterior (Dorsal)

Away from the head end or towards the lower part of a structure of the body; below.

• Inferior (Caudal)

• Superior (Cranial)

• Anterior (Ventral)

• Posterior (Dorsal)

Towards or at the front of the body; in front of..

• Inferior (Caudal)

• Superior (Cranial)

• Anterior (Ventral)

• Posterior (Dorsal)

Towards or at the back of the body; behind.

• Inferior (Caudal)

• Superior (Cranial)

• Anterior (Ventral)

• Posterior (Dorsal)

Towards or at the midline of the body on the inner side of

• Proximal

• Intermediate

• Lateral

• Medial

Away from the middle of the body on the outer side of

• Proximal

• Intermediate

• Lateral

• Medial

Between a more medial and more lateral structure

• Proximal

• Intermediate

• Lateral

• Medial

Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

• Proximal

• Intermediate

• Lateral

• Medial

Further from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

• Distal

• Superficial (External)

• Deep (Internal)

Towards or at the body surface

• Distal

• Superficial (External)

• Deep (Internal)