1. DIRECTIONAL TERMS SUPERIOR/INFERIOR ANTERIOR/POSTERIOR MEDIAL/LATERAL INTERMEDIATE PROXIMAL/DISTAL SUPERFICIAL/DEEP IPSILATERAL/CONTRALATERAL

2. SUPERIOR Toward the head; above Example – the forehead is superior to the nose

3. INFERIOR Away from the head; lower, below. Is opposite of superior The navel is inferior to the breastbone

4. ANTERIOR Toward the front; in front of. Is also referred to as “ventral” The breastbone is anterior to the spine

5. POSTERIOR Toward the back. Behind. Also called “dorsal”. Is opposite of anterior The heart is posterior to the breastbone

6. MEDIAL Toward the midline; on the inner side of The heart is medial to the arm

7. LATERAL Away from the midline. On the outer side. Is opposite of medial The arms are lateral to the chest

8. INTERMEDIATE Between more medial and lateral The armpit is intermediate between the breastbone and the shoulder

9. PROXIMAL Is closer to the origin or attachment The elbow is proximal to the wrist

10. DISTAL Is farther from the origin or attachment. Opp. of proximal The knee is distal to the thigh

11. SUPERFICIAL Toward the surface; is palpable – to touch or feel. The skin is superficial to the skeleton

12. DEEP Away from the surface. Is opp. of superficial The lungs are deep to the ribcage

13. IPSILATERAL Meaning on the same side Ex. The chest is anterior and ipsilateral to the abdomen

14. CONTRALATERAL Meaning on the opposite side The chest is contralateral to the spine as it is posterior.

15. The Language of Anatomy Special terminology is used to prevent misunderstanding Exact terms are used for: Position Direction Regions Structures

16. What is the anatomical position? Anatomical Position – face front, body is erect, feet parallel, arms hanging at the sides, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away from the body and toes pointed down. Can you now demonstrate what it will look like?

17. Why use the anatomical position ? 1. To promote consistency 2. Reduce confusion among health professionals