Directional Terms - Unit 1

toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above

• Superior (cranial)

• Ventral (anterior)

• Inferior (caudal)

• Distal

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

• Superior (cranial)

• Dorsal (posterior)

• Inferior (caudal)

• Axial

toward or at the front of the body; in front of

• Dorsal (posterior)

• Medial

• Ventral (anterior)

• Appendicular

toward or at the back of the body; behind

• Medial

• Axillary

• Superior (cranial)

• Dorsal (posterior)

toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of

• Medial

• Intermediate

• Ventral (anterior)

• Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of

• Intermediate

• Proximal

• Lateral

• Inferior (caudal)

between a more medial and a more lateral structure

• Lateral

• Distal

• Superior (cranial)

• Intermediate

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

• Axial

• Proximal

• Distal

• Dorsal (posterior)

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

• Intermediate

• Lateral

• Appendicular

• Distal

toward or at the body surface

• Dorsal

• Lateral

• Superficial

• Anterior