Directional terms for the human body

Peripheral

Also means outward or towards the surface. Ex:

Medial

An imaginary midline that divides the body in right and left halves. Ex: the nose is medial to the eyes.

Superficial

Situated near the surface. Ex: Your skin is superficial to your bones

Medulla

The inner layer of an organ. Ex:

Inferior

A body part is below another part or toward the feet. Ex: Your feet are inferior to your head.

Superior

A body part that is above another part or closer to the head. Ex: Your head is superior to your feet.

Distal

A body part that is closer to a point of attachment. Ex: Your fingers are distal to your wrist

Proximal

A body part that is closer to a point of attachment. Ex: Your knee is proximal to your ankle.

Dorsal

Also means the back. Ex: The upper back of an animal, plant or organ. A Dolphins dorsal fin.

Ventral

Also means towards the front. Ex: Your abdominal (stomach)

Deep

Describes parts that are internal. Ex: The brain is deep of the cranium.

Posterior

Opposite than anterior. Towards the back. Ex: The back of your head is posterior to your nose

Cortex

The outer layer of an organ. Ex:

Anterior

Towards the front. Ex: Your nose is anterior to your back

Lateral

Towards the side with respect to the imaginary line. Ex: the ears are lateral to the eyes.