Download SUPERIOR

DIRECTIONAL TERMS
SUPERIOR/INFERIOR
 ANTERIOR/POSTERIOR
 MEDIAL/LATERAL
 INTERMEDIATE
 PROXIMAL/DISTAL
 SUPERFICIAL/DEEP
 IPSILATERAL/CONTRALATERAL

SUPERIOR

Toward the head;
above

Example – the
forehead is superior
to the nose
INFERIOR

Away from the head;
lower, below. Is
opposite of superior

The navel is inferior
to the breastbone
ANTERIOR

Toward the front; in
front of.
Is also referred to as
“ventral”

The breastbone is
anterior to the spine
POSTERIOR

Toward the back.
Behind. Also called
“dorsal”. Is opposite
of anterior

The heart is
posterior to the
breastbone
MEDIAL

Toward the midline;
on the inner side of

The heart is medial
to the arm
LATERAL

Away from the
midline. On the
outer side. Is
opposite of medial

The arms are lateral
to the chest
INTERMEDIATE

Between more
medial and lateral

The armpit is
intermediate
between the
breastbone and the
shoulder
PROXIMAL

Is closer to the origin
or attachment

The elbow is
proximal to the wrist
DISTAL

Is farther from the
origin or attachment.
Opp. of proximal

The knee is distal to
the thigh
SUPERFICIAL

Toward the surface;
is palpable – to
touch or feel.

The skin is
superficial to the
skeleton
DEEP

Away from the
surface. Is opp. of
superficial

The lungs are deep
to the ribcage
IPSILATERAL

Meaning on the
same side

Ex. The chest is
anterior and
ipsilateral to the
abdomen
CONTRALATERAL

Meaning on the
opposite side

The chest is
contralateral to the
spine as it is
posterior.
The Language of Anatomy
•
Special terminology is used to prevent
misunderstanding
•
Exact terms are used for:
•
Position
•
Direction
•
Regions
•
Structures
What is the anatomical position?
Position – face front,
body is erect, feet parallel, arms
hanging at the sides, palms facing
forward, thumbs pointing away from
the body and toes pointed down.
 Anatomical
 Can
you now demonstrate what it will
look like?
Why use the anatomical position ?
 1. To promote consistency

2. Reduce confusion among health
professionals