Anatomical Positions and Directions

Closer to the midline of the body.

• Anterior

• Posterior

• lateral

• Superior

• Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.Towards the back of the body.

• Anterior

• Posterior

• Inferior

• Superior

• Medial

Towards the front of the body.

• Anterior

• Posterior

• Inferior

• Superior

• Medial

Lower in position; towards the feet or lower part of the body.

• Anterior

• Posterior

• Inferior

• Superior

• Medial

Higher in position; towards the head or upper part of the body.

• Anterior

• Posterior

• Inferior

• Superior

• Medial

Away from the midline of the body.

• Lateral

• Internal

• External

• Proxial

• Distal

Located on the inside or within a structure.

• Lateral

• Internal

• External

• Proxial

• Distal

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

Located on the outside or surface of a structure.

• Lateral

• Internal

• External

• Proxial

• Distal

Closer to the point of origin or attachment.

• Lateral

• Internal

• External

• Proxial

• Distal

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Farther from the point of origin or 

attachment.

• Lateral

• Internal

• External

• Proxial

• Distal