Anatomy and Physiology Directional Terms

Superior

Upper part of body structure

Inferior

Below

Anterior

Toward or at the front of the body

Posterior

Toward or at the backside

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body

Lateral

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

Proximal

Close to the origin of body part or the point of attachment of limb

Distal

The knee is distal to the thigh

Superficial

External

Deep

More internal