ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY: Directional Terms
There is universal agreement in the field of anatomy that the relative description of the
human body is always in a specific position called ________________________. In this
position, the individual is standing upright, face forward, with the upper limbs positioned
at the sides, the palms turned forward, and the feet flat on the floor.
FIGURE A
Directional terms are used by anatomists to locate numerous body structures in relationship to one
another. Label the following directional terms on Figure B, based on their description below. Then,
using the same directional terms, fill in the blanks to describe the body parts relationship to one
another.
1. Superior: _________________________________________________________________________
Example: The head is ________________________ to the shoulders.
2. .Inferior: ___________________________________________________________________________
Example: The intestines are ________________________ to the lungs
3. .Anterior (also known as ventral): _______________________________________________________
Example: The trachea is ________________________ to the esophagus.
4. Posterior (also known as dorsal): _______________________________________________________
Example: The esophagus is ________________________to the trachea.
5. Medial: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Example: The ulna is ________________________ to the radius.
6. Lateral: ___________________________________________________________________________
Example: The lungs are ________________________ to the heart.
7. Intermediate: ______________________________________________________________________
Example: The index finger is ________________________ to the thumb and middle finger.
8. Proximal: _________________________________________________________________________
Example: The knee is ________________________to the shin.
9. Distal: ____________________________________________________________________________
Example: The elbow is ________________________the shoulder.
10. Superficial: ________________________________________________________________________
Example: The skin is ________________________ to the muscles.
11. Deep: ____________________________________________________________________________
Example: The ribs are ________________________ to the skin.
