Body Terminology

Superior

Above an organ The heart is superior to the stomach.

Ventral

Anterior portion of the body containing the abdominal and pelvic cavities The lungs are in the ventral body cavity (most generally speaking)

Posterior

Back The spinal cord is posterior to the heart.

Inferior

Below an organ The stomach is inferior to the heart.

Superficial

Close to the surface of the body The hypodermis is superficial to the muscles.

Deep

Closer to the deeper portions of the body The extensor carpi ulnaris muscle is deep to the hypodermis.

Proximal

Closest to the point of attachment The knee is proximal to the ankle.

Distal

Farthest from the point of attachment The ankle is distal to the hip (coxal joint).

Anterior

Front The heart is anterior to the spinal cord. Trachea is anterior to esophagus

Dorsal

Posterior portion of the body containing the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord and brain are located in the dorsal body cavity (generally speaking).

Medial

Towards the midline of the body. The heart is medial to the lungs.

Lateral

Towards the sides of the body (left/right). The kidneys are lateral to the abdominal aorta.

frontal plane

divides body into anterior and posterior parts (front and back)

midsaggital

divides body into equal parts, right down the midline

sagittal plane

divides body into left and right (lateral) parts