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Directional Terms in Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • Superior (Cranial)

    Superior means toward the head or upper part of a structure.

  • Inferior (Caudal)

    Inferior means away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.

  • Anterior (Ventral)

    Anterior means toward the front of the body.

  • Posterior (Dorsal)

    Posterior means toward the back of the body.

  • Medial

    Medial means toward the midline of the body.

  • Lateral

    Lateral means away from the midline of the body.

  • Proximal

    Proximal means closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

  • Distal

    Distal means farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

  • Superficial (External)

    Superficial means toward or on the surface of the body.

  • Deep (Internal)

    Deep means away from the surface, more internal.

  • Ipsilateral

    Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body.

  • Contralateral

    Contralateral means on the opposite side of the body.

  • Central

    Central refers to the center of the body or an organ.

  • Peripheral

    Peripheral means away from the center, toward the outer edges.

  • Palmar

    Palmar refers to the palm side of the hand.

  • Plantar

    Plantar refers to the sole of the foot.

  • Dorsal (of hand or foot)

    Dorsal refers to the back side of the hand or top of the foot.

  • Caudal

    Caudal means toward the tail or lower part of the body.

  • Rostral

    Rostral means toward the nose or front of the head.

  • Intermediate

    Intermediate means between two structures.