Directional Terms

Inferior (caudal)

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of

Deep (internal)

Away from the body surface; more internal

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Superficial (external)

Toward or at the body surface

Ventral (anterior)

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of

Proximal

Close to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Dorsal (posterior)

Toward or at the backside of the body; behind

Superior (cranial or cephalad)

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the the body; above