Anatomical Terminology Relative Positions Flashcards

Means that a body part is above another part or is closer to the head. Example: The thoracic cavity is superior to the abdominopelvic cavity

Means that a body part is below another body part or is toward the feet (the necks is inferior to the head)

Means towards the front Example: the eyes are anterior to the brain

Is the opposite of anterior; it means towards the back. Example; the phaynx is posterior to the oral cavity

Relates to an imaginary midline dividing the body into equal right and left halves. A body part is medial if it is closer to this line than another part. Example: the nose is medial to the eyes

Means towards the side with respect to the imaginary midline Example: the ears are lateral to the eyes

Describes a body part that is closer to a point of attachment than another body part Example: the elbow is proximal to the wrist

Is the opposite of proximal. It means that a particular body part is farther from a point ot attachment than another body part. Example: the fingers are distal to the wrist

Means situated near the surface. the epidermis is the superficial layer of the skin. Peripheral also means outward or near the surface. It describes the location of certain blood vessles and nerves Example: the nerves that branch from the brain and spinal cord are peripheral nevers

Describes parts that are more internal Example: the dermisis the deep layer of skin