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Directional terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| superior | above the midline (toward the head) |
| inferior | below the lateral line(toward the feet) |
| Ventral | Toward the front |
| Dorsal | Toward the back |
| Anterior | In front of (ventral) |
| Posterior | Behind (dorsal) |
| Cranial | Toward the Head end |
| Caudal | Toward the feet end |
| Rostral | Toward the nose |
| Medial | Toward the midline |
| Lateral | Away from the midline |
| Ipsilateral | On the same side |
| Contralateral | On the opposite side |
| Deep | Toward the inside, under another structure |
| Superficial | Toward the outside surface, above another structure |
| Proximal | closer to the trunk |
| Distal | Further from the trunk |
| Prone | Facing down or rearward (palms or body) |
| Supine | Facing up or forward (palms or body) |
| Afferent | Conducting toward |
| Efferent | Conducting away from |