Directional terms describe the positions of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body.
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).
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