Anatomical Position
Point of reference in regards to describing movement and direction.
Superficial
Towards the body surface.
Distal
Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk
Inferior
Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below
Anterior
Toward the front of the body
Lateral
Away from the midline.
Deep
Away from the body surface; more internal
Proximal
Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk
Superior
Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above
Posterior
Toward the rear of the body
Transverse
A horizontal plane that divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) regions.
Frontal
Vertical plane divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) regions.
Sagittal
Vertical plane that divides the body into right and left halves.
Dorsal
Toward the back
Ventral
Toward the belly
Medial
Toward the midline of the body
Plantar
Pertaining to the sole of the foot
Palmar
Pertaining to the palm of the hand
Supine
Lying on the back
Prone
Lying face down