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Anatomy & Physiology: Anatomical Directional Terms

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Terms in this set (11)

  • Superior (cranial)

    Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above.

  • Inferior (caudal)

    Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below.

  • Anterior (ventral)

    Toward or at the front of the body; in front of.

  • Posterior (dorsal)

    Toward or at the back of the body; behind.

  • Medial

    Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.

  • Lateral

    Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of.

  • Intermediate

    Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

  • Proximal

    Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

  • Distal

    Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

  • Superficial (external)

    Toward or at the body surface.

  • Deep (internal)

    Away from the body surface; more internal.