Anatomy Directional Terms***

What does 'anterior' (ventral) mean?

Towards the front

What does 'posterior' (dorsal) mean?

Towards the back

What does 'superior' mean?

Towards the head

What does 'inferior' mean?

Towards the feet

What does 'medial' mean?

Towards the median plane

What does 'lateral' mean?

Farther from the median plane

What does 'superficial' mean?

Towards the surface

What does 'deep' mean?

Farther from the surface

What does 'plantar' mean?

Sole of foot

What does 'dorsal' (foot) mean?

Top of foot

What does 'palmar' mean?

Palm of hand

What does 'dorsal' (hand) mean?

Back of hand

What does 'proximal' mean?

Towards the point of origin

What does 'distal' mean?

Farther from the point of origin

What does 'parietal' mean?

Lining the wall of the cavity

What does 'visceral' mean?

Covering the organs