Directional terms

Directional terms describe the positions of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body. Directional terms are used solely for comparison.

Superior or cranial – toward the head end of the body; upper (example, the hand is part of the superior extremity).

Inferior or caudal – away from the head; lower (example, the foot is part of the inferior extremity).

Anterior or ventral – front (example, the kneecap is located on the anterior side of the leg).

Posterior or dorsal – back (example, the shoulder blades are located on the posterior side of the body).

Medial – toward the midline of the body (example, the middle toe is located at the medial side of the foot).

Lateral – away from the midline of the body (example, the little toe is located at the lateral side of the foot).

Proximal – toward or nearest the trunk or the point of origin of a part (example, the proximal end of the femur joins with the pelvic bone).

Distal – away from or farthest from the trunk or the point or origin of a part (example, the hand is located at the distal end of the forearm).