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