Directional, Regional, Sectional Terms

Above. The heart is SUPERIOR to the diaphragm.

Below. The liver is INFERIOR to the diaphragm.

Toward the ventral side, toward the front or belly. The sternum is ANTERIOR to the heart.

Toward the dorsal side, toward the back or spine. The esophagus is POSTERIOR to the trachea.

Toward the median plane. The heart is MEDIAL to the lungs.

Away from the median plane. The eyes are LATERAL to the nose.

Closer to the body surface. The skin is SUPERFICIAL to the muscles.

Farther from the body surface. The bones are DEEP to the muscles.

Between. The elbow is INTERMEDIATE to the antebrachial and brachial.

Closer to the point of attachment or origin. The elbow is PROXIMAL to the wrist.

Farther from the point of attachment or origin. The fingernails are at the DISTAL ends of the fingers.

Head, neck, and thoracic/abdominal regions.

Pertaining to the extremities and their supporting skeletal girdles.

Pertaining to the front (anterior) of the elbow.

Pertaining to the palm of the hand.

Pertaining to the navel, central area of the abdomen.

Pertaining to the forehead.

Pertaining to the lower back and sides, between the thoracic cage and pelvis. Loin.

Pertaining to the chest or thoracic cage.

Relating to the sternum.

Relating to or situated in the breast or chest.

Pertaining to the sacrum (lower area of back just above the buttocks)

Pertaining to and located in the groin.

Pertaining to the armpit.

Pertaining to the front of the knee.

Pertaining to the arm.

Pertaining to the toes or fingers.

Pertaining to the thigh.

Pertaining to the leg.

Pertaining to the eye socket.

Pertaining to the pelvis.

Pertaining to the back (posterior) of the knee.

Pertaining to the back (anterior) of the elbow.

Pertaining to the heel.

Extends vertically, divides body into anterior and posterior portions.

Horizontal. Divides body into upper and lower portions.

Divides body into equal halves, vertically.

Parallel to the sagittal plane.

Diagonal Division.