Body Terminology
Superior
Above an organ The heart is superior to the stomach.
Ventral
Anterior portion of the body containing the abdominal and pelvic cavities The lungs are in the ventral body cavity (most generally speaking)
Posterior
Back The spinal cord is posterior to the heart.
Inferior
Below an organ The stomach is inferior to the heart.
Superficial
Close to the surface of the body The hypodermis is superficial to the muscles.
Deep
Closer to the deeper portions of the body The extensor carpi ulnaris muscle is deep to the hypodermis.
Proximal
Closest to the point of attachment The knee is proximal to the ankle.
Distal
Farthest from the point of attachment The ankle is distal to the hip (coxal joint).
Anterior
Front The heart is anterior to the spinal cord. Trachea is anterior to esophagus
Dorsal
Posterior portion of the body containing the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord and brain are located in the dorsal body cavity (generally speaking).
Medial
Towards the midline of the body. The heart is medial to the lungs.
Lateral
Towards the sides of the body (left/right). The kidneys are lateral to the abdominal aorta.
frontal plane
divides body into anterior and posterior parts (front and back)
midsaggital
divides body into equal parts, right down the midline
sagittal plane
divides body into left and right (lateral) parts