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