directional term

Superior (cranial)

Definition: Toward the top of the head
Example: the heart is superior to the urinary bladder

Inferior (caudal)

Definition: Towards the sole of the foot
Example: the chest is inferior to the head

Anterior (ventral)

Definition: Toward the front or abdomen
Example: the patellar region is anterior to the popliteal region

Posterior (dorsal)

Definition: Toward the back
Example: the spinal cord is posterior to the esophagus

Medial

Definition: Toward the midline
Example: the sternum (breastbone) is medial to the ribs

Lateral

Definition: Away from the midline
Example: the ears are lateral to the nose

Superficial (external)

Definition: Toward the surface of the body
Example: the skin is superficial to visceral organs

Deep (internal)

Definition: Away from the surface of the body
Example: the heart lies deep to the sternum

Proximal

Definition: Closer to the point of attachment to the trunk
Example: the shoulder is proximal to the elbow

Distal

Definition: Farther from the point of attachment to the trunk
Example: the wrist is distal to the shoulder

Superior (cranial)

Definition: Toward the top of the head
Example: the heart is superior to the urinary bladder

Inferior (caudal)

Definition: Towards the sole of the foot
Example: the chest is inferior to the head

Anterior (ventral)

Definition: Toward the front or abdomen
Example: the patellar region is anterior to the popliteal region

Posterior (dorsal)

Definition: Toward the back
Example: the spinal cord is posterior to the esophagus

Medial

Definition: Toward the midline
Example: the sternum (breastbone) is medial to the ribs

Lateral

Definition: Away from the midline
Example: the ears are lateral to the nose

Superficial (external)

Definition: Toward the surface of the body
Example: the skin is superficial to visceral organs

Deep (internal)

Definition: Away from the surface of the body
Example: the heart lies deep to the sternum

Proximal

Definition: Closer to the point of attachment to the trunk
Example: the shoulder is proximal to the elbow

Distal

Definition: Farther from the point of attachment to the trunk
Example: the wrist is distal to the shoulder