Directional Terms Anatomy

Deep

Away from the body surface; internal

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment

Intermediate

Between medial and lateral structure

Superior

Toward the head; above

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body

Medial

Toward the midline of the body

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the backside of the body; behind

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body; in front of

Inferior

Away from the head; below

Transverse section

Divides the body into superior and inferior parts

Frontal section

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts

Midsagittal section

Divides the body into equal left and right parts

Sagittal section

Divides the body into left and right parts

Cranial cavity houses the

Brain

Thoracic cavity houses the

Heart and lungs

Abdominopelvic cavity house the

Digestive system and urinary system