Human Anatomy

• Cranial

  Pertaining to, or located toward, the head
• Caudal

  Pertaining to, or located toward, the tail
• Anterior

  Pertaining to, or located toward, the front
• Ventral


  Synonym: Pertaining to, or located toward, the back
• Posterior


  Pertaining to, or located toward, the back
• Dorsal


  Synonym: Pertaining to, or located toward, the back
• Superior


  Upper or above
• Inferior


  Lower or below
• Axial


  Pertaining to the axis of a structure
• Longitudinal


  Parallel to the long axis of a structure
• Horizontal


  Parallel to the plane of the horizon
• Vertical


  Perpendicular to the plane of the horizon
• Medial

  Toward the median plane
• Lateral


  Away from the median plane (toward the side)
• Median


  Situated in the median plane or midline
• Transverse


  Situated at right angles to the long axis of a structure
• Peripheral


  Situated away from the center
• Superficial


  Situated near the surface
• Deep


  Situated deep beneath the surface
• External


  Outer or lateral
• Internal


  Inner or medial
• Apical


  Pertaining to the top or apex
• Basal


  Pertaining to the bottom or base
• Sagittal


  Situated parallel to the sagittal suture
• Coronal


  Situated parallel to the coronal suture (pertaining to the crown of the head)
• Proximal


  Close to, or toward, the trunk, or toward the point of origin
• Distal

  Away from the trunk (toward the end of the limb), or away from the point of origin
• Radial


  Pertaining to the radius or the lateral side of the forearm
• Ulnar

  Pertaining to the ulna or the medial side of the forearm
• Tibial


  Pertaining to the tibia or the medial side of the leg
• Fibular


  Pertaining to the fibula or the lateral side of the leg
• Palmar (volar)


  Pertaining to the palm of the hand
• Plantar


  Pertaining to the sole of the foot
• Dorsal


  Pertaining to the back of the hand or top of the foot