| Term | Definition |
| Anterior | Pertaining to the front or ventral side |
| Posterior | Pertaining to the back. Toward the dorsal side |
| Inferior (Caudal) | Pertaining to below. Away from the head. |
| Superior (Cranial or cephalad) | Pertaining to above.Toward the head or upper part. |
| Distal | Pertaining to away (from the point of reference), or farther away from the origin or point of attachment |
| Proximal | Pertaining to near (to the point of reference)Closer to the origin or point of attachment. |
| Dorsal | Toward the back or spine |
| Lateral | Pertaining to a side or away from the median plane |
| Medial | Pertaining to the middle, toward the median plane |
| Superficial (external) | Toward or at the body surface |
| Deep (internal) | Away from the body surface. |
| Ventral | Toward the Front (or belly) |
| Cephalic | Toward the head or superior end |
| Rostral | Toward the forehead or nose (skulls only) |
| Caudal | Toward the tail of inferior end |