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Directional Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Medial | Toward the midline of the body |
| Superior | Higher on the body, nearer to the head |
| Inferior | Lower on the body, farther from the head |
| Anterior | Front of body |
| Posterior | Back of body |
| Deep | Away from the body surface; more internal |
| Superficial | near the surface |
| Lateral | Away from the midline of the body |
| Distal | away from the point of attachment |
| Proximal | Closer to the point of attachment |
| Sagittal plane | Right and left parts |
| Midsagittal plane | Equal right and left parts |
| Coronal (frontal) plane | Vertical at right angles to the sagittal plane |
| Transverse or cross section | Horizontal; divides body into upper and lower parts |
| Epigastric region (upper) | Just below sternum |
| Hypochondriac regions | Located below the ribs |
| Umbilical (middle) | Located around the navel |
| Right and left lumbar | Extend from anterior to posterior |
| Hypogastric (lower) | Pubic area |
| Right and left iliac | Also called right and left inguinal areas |