Directional Terms

• Directional terms


  Tell us exactly where one body structure is in relation to another
• Directional terms - Used to describe the location of body structures in relation to other structures 

• Superior (cranial)


  Above; refers to the upper part of a structure or the body
• Inferior (caudal)


  Below; refers to the lower part of a structure or the body
• Anterior (ventral)


  In front of; front of the body
• Posterior (dorsal)


  Behind; backside of the body
• Medial


  On the inner side of; near the midline of the body
• Lateral


  On the outer side of; farther from the midline
• Intermediate


  Between a more medial and a more lateral structure
• Ipsilateral


  On the same side of the body as another structure
• Contralateral


  On the opposite side of the body from another structure
• Proximal


  Close to the point attachment of a limb to the trunk; near the origin
• Distal


  Farther from the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk; away from the point of origin
• Superficial


  Near the surface of the body
• Deep


  Away from the surface of the body, more internal