The Big Picture
When people study the body, they need a standard way to describe where body parts are located. That standard starting point is called the anatomical position.
In this position, the person stands upright and faces forward. The medical community then uses specific direction words to describe body parts, areas of pain, and regions of the body.
Quick tip: Tap, click, or press Enter on any term with a dotted underline and an ⓘ icon to see its plain-English definition.
Start Here If You’re Overwhelmed
Focus on these core ideas:
- anatomical position is the standard body position used when describing anatomy.
- superior means above, while inferior means below.
- Medial means closer to the midline. Lateral means farther from the midline.
- Proximal means closer to the trunk or point of origin. Distal means farther away.
- superficial means near the body surface. deep means farther into the body.
- peripheral means away from the centre of the body.
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Course Notes: Key Ideas You Need to Know
Anatomical Position
anatomical position is the standard position used when describing the body.
In this position:
- The body stands erect.
- The feet are shoulder-width apart.
- The face looks forward.
- The arms rest at the sides.
- The toes face forward.
- The palms face forward.
The medical community uses anatomical terms to describe the position of body parts, areas of pain, and body regions.
Above and Below
Superior means situated above another structure or toward the upper part of the body.
Inferior means situated below another structure or toward the lower part of the body.
These two terms describe opposite directions.
Front and Back
Anterior refers to the front surface of the body. It also describes the position of one structure in relation to another.
Posterior refers to the back surface of the body. It also describes the position of one structure in relation to another.
The Midline
The midline is an imaginary line that divides the body into right and left sides.
Two other terms describe position in relation to this line:
- Medial means closest to the midline.
- Lateral means farthest from the midline.
Closer to or Farther From the Trunk
Proximal means nearest the trunk of the body or nearest the point of origin .
Distal means farthest from the trunk of the body or farthest from the point of origin.
These terms describe opposite positions.
Near the Surface or Deeper Inside
Superficial means near the surface of the body.
Deep means away from the surface or farther into the body.
For example, bones are deep to the skin.
Away From the Centre
Peripheral means away from the centre of the body.
Fast Review
These are the main terms to review before a quiz or exam. Pay close attention to the direction each word describes.
- Anatomical position: standing erect, feet shoulder-width apart, face forward, arms at the sides, toes forward, and palms forward.
- Superior: above another structure or toward the upper body.
- Inferior: below another structure or toward the lower body.
- Anterior: toward the front surface of the body.
- Posterior: toward the back surface of the body.
- Midline: an imaginary line dividing the body into right and left sides.
- Medial: closest to the midline. Lateral: farthest from the midline.
- Proximal: nearest the trunk or point of origin. Distal: farthest from the trunk or point of origin.
- Superficial: near the body surface. Deep: farther into the body.
- Peripheral: away from the centre of the body.
Final Pep Talk
There are several direction words here, so focus on learning them as opposite pairs where that fits. Review a few terms at a time until the differences feel familiar.