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Directional Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Anterior (or ventral) | The front or direction toward the front of the body. Ex.) The toes are anterior to the foot. |
| Posterior (or dorsal) | The back or direction toward the back of the body. |
| Superior (or cranial) | A position above or higher than another part of the body proper. |
| Inferior (or caudal) | A position below or lower than another part of the body proper: near or toward the tail. Ex.) The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen. |
| Lateral | The side or direction toward the side of the body. Ex.) The thumb is lateral to the digits. |
| Medial | The middle or direction toward the middle of the body. |
| Proximal | A position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. |
| Superficial | A position closer to the surface of the body. Ex.) The skin is superficial to the bones. |
| Deep | Position farther from the surface of the body. Ex.)The brain is deep to the skull. |