position descriptors

terms used to describe locations or relationship of one structure to another.

superior

toward the head, one structure in the body being higher than another

inferior

toward the fee, one structure in the body being lower than another

cranial

referencing the axial skeleton. toward the head

caudal

referencing the axial skeleton. Away from the head, toward the gluteal region

proximal

referencing the extremities. Being closer to the origin, higher, toward the head

Distal

referencing the extremities. Being further away from the origin, lower, toward the feet.

Anterior

towards the front of the body

inferior

toward the feet, one structure in the body being lower than another

Ventral

towards the belly, towards the front

Dorsal

towards the back

Medial

towards the midline

Lateral

away from the midline

Superficial

towards the surface of the body

Deep

towards the core of the body

Palmar

the palm of the hand

plantar

the sole of the foot

Supine

lying on the back

prone

lying face down, on the stomach

unilateral

referencing one side

bilateral

referencing two (both) sides