Anatomic Relationship Terms

Distal

Refers to parts farthest from the point of attachment, point of reference, origin, or beginning; away from center of the body

Superficial

Refers to parts near the skin or surface

Proximal

Refers to parts nearer the point of attachment, point of reference, origin, or beginning; toward the center of the body

External

Refers to parts outside an organ or on the outside of the body

Cephalad

Refers to parts toward the head of the body

Medial

Refers to parts toward the median plane of body or toward the middle of another body part

Internal

Refers to parts within or on the inside of an organ

Visceral

Refers to the covering of an organ

Central

Refers to the middle area or main part of an organ

Palmar

Refers to the palm of the hand

Plantar

Refers to the sole of the feet

Dorsum

Refers to the top or anterior surface of the foot or to the back or posterior surface of the hand

Parietal

Refers to the wall or lining of a body cavity

Deep

Refers to parts far from the surface

Posterior or Dorsal

Refers to back part of body or organ (note, however, that the superior surface of the foot is referred to as the dorsal surface)

Anterior or Ventral

Refers to forward or front part of the body or forward part of an organ

Inferior

Refers to nearer the feet or situated below

Superior

Refers to nearer the head or situated above

Ipsilateral

Refers to part of parts on the same side of the body

Centralateral

Refers to part or parts on the opposite side of the body

Peripheral

Refers to parts at or near the surface, edge, or outside of another body part

Caudad

Refers to parts away from the head of the body (Tail)

Lateral

Refers to parts away from the median plane of the body or away from the middle of another body part