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