Anatomy directional terms
Midline
An imaginary vertical line that divides the body equally (right down the middle)
Posterior
At or near the back of the body (back view)
Anterior
At or near the front of the body (front view)
Inferior
Away from the head/lower part of a structure (bottom view, looking up)
Deep
Away from the surface of the body
Superficial
Close to the surface of the body
Lateral
Farther from midline (side view)
Distal
Farther from the origination of a structure
Anatomical position
In the anatomical position, the body is upright, directly facing the observer, feet flat and directed forward. The upper limbs are at the body's sides with the palms facing forward.
Superior
Toward the head/upper part of a structure (bird's-eye view, looking down)
Intermediate
between a more medial and a more lateral structure
Medial
Nearer to midline (side view)
Proximal
Nearer to the origination of a structure