Anatomical and Directional Terms

toward the head

• Anterior

• Proximal

• Superior

• Medial

Toward the front of the body

• Superficial

• Anterior

• Inferior

• Proximal

toward the feet

• Inferior

• Lateral

• Deep

• Distal

Toward the back of the body

• Superficial

• Distal

• Superior

• Posterior

Another term for anterior

• Dorsal

• Distal

• Lateral

• Ventral

Another term for posterior

• Medial

• Deep

• Dorsal

• Anterior

Toward the midline of the body

• Inferior

• Superficial

• Proximal

• Medial

toward the side

• Inferior

• Distal

• Lateral

• Posterior

Closer to the center of the body

• Proximal

• Medial

• Superior

• Deep

toward the extremities

• Superior

• Distal

• Lateral

• Anterior