Medical Terminology: Inferior & Superior Body Directions

Plane

An imaginary flat surface, like a plate of glass. There are three body planes: the coronal plane, the midsagittal plane, and the transverse plane. These body planes divide the body into front and back, right and left, and top and bottom sections. Body directions represent movement away from or toward those planes.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Transverse Plane

Imaginary line running crosswise, or horizontally, on the body, dividing the body into upper and lower sections.

Proximal

Near the point of attachment.

Superficial

Near the surface of the body.

External

Pertaining to near or on the outside surface of the body or an organ.

Inferior

Pertaining to the lower half of the body or a position below an organ or structure.

Superior

Pertaining to the upper half of the body or a position above an organ or structure.

Coronal Plane (Frontal Plane)

Plane that divides the body into front and back sections, anterior and posterior. Also known as the frontal plane.

Mid-sagittal Plane

Plane that divides the body into right and left sections and creates a midline.

Cephalad (Cephalic)

Toward the head of the body.

Caudad (Caudal)

Toward the tailbone, feet, or lower part of the body.

Distal

Anatomical term meaning distant or away from point of attachment.

Lateral

Directional term meaning towards the sides of the body.

Internal

Within the body or an organ.