Chapter 1 - Anatomy

Toward or at the back of the body; behind; after; following; toward the rear; near the upper surface EX: The vertebral column is DORSAL to the aorta. The heart is POSTERIOR to the breastbone. The esophagus is POSTERIOR to the trachea.

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of; toward the bottom; toward the belly EX: The aorta is VENTRAL to the vertebral column. The breastbone is ANTERIOR to the spine. The sternum is ANTERIOR to the heart.

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above; over EX: The heart is SUPERIOR to the diaphragm. The head is SUPERIOR to the abdomen.

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure of the body; below; under; toward the back; toward the tail EX: The liver is INFERIOR to the diaphragm. The navel is INFERIOR to the chin.

Toward or at midline of the body; middle, away from the side; on the inner side of EX: The heart is MEDIAL to the lungs. The bridge of the nose is MEDIAL to the left eye. The lungs are MEDIAL to the heart. The heart is MEDIAL to the arm.

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of; toward the side EX: The eyes are LATERAL to the nose. The arms are LATERAL to the chest.

Toward or at the body surface EX: The skin is SUPERFICIAL to the muscles. The skin is SUPERFICIAL to the skeletal muscles.

Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk; near EX: The elbow is PROXIMAL to the wrist. The upper arm is PROXIMAL to the forearm.

Away from the body surface; more internal EX: The bones are DEEP to the muscles. The lungs are DEEP to the skin.

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk; away from EX: The fingernails are at the DISTAL ends of the fingers. The fingers are DISTAL to the wrist. The knee is DISTAL to the thigh.

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure EX: The collarbone is INTERMEDIATE between the breastbone and shoulder.