The Big Picture
Directional terms describe where one body part is located in relation to another. They describe direction based on a person standing and facing forward.
You will study six main terms. Some describe front and back. Some compare position with the body’s midline. Others describe position in relation to the trunk, centre, point of origin, or point of attachment.
Start Here If You’re Overwhelmed
Focus on these core ideas:
- Anterior means at or toward the front of the body or body part.
- Posterior means the back surface of the body.
- Medial means closest to the body’s midline, while lateral means farthest away from it.
- Proximal means nearest to the trunk or point of origin.
- Distal means farthest from the centre or point of attachment.
Jump to:
Course Notes: Key Ideas You Need to Know
What Directional Terms Describe
Directional terms describe the position of one body part in relation to another. The terms indicate direction when a person is standing and facing forward.
Front and Back
Anterior
Anterior means located at or toward the front of the body or a body part.
Anterior is also called ventral.
Posterior
Posterior means the back surface of the body. The term often describes the position of one structure in relation to another.
Posterior is also called dorsal.
Distance From the Midline
Medial
Medial means closest to the midline of the body.
Lateral
Lateral means farthest away from the midline of the body.
These two terms describe opposite directions in relation to the body’s midline.
| Term | Position |
|---|---|
| Medial | Closest to the midline |
| Lateral | Farthest away from the midline |
Distance From the Trunk or Point of Attachment
Proximal
Proximal means nearest to the trunk of the body or the point of origin.
Distal
Distal means farthest from the centre or from the point of attachment.
For example, the foot is distal to the knee.
| Term | Position |
|---|---|
| Proximal | Nearest to the trunk or point of origin |
| Distal | Farthest from the centre or point of attachment |
Fast Review
Directional terms help you describe the position of one body part in relation to another. Review them as three pairs to make them easier to separate.
- Anterior, or ventral, means at or toward the front of the body or body part.
- Posterior, or dorsal, means the back surface of the body.
- Medial means closest to the body’s midline.
- Lateral means farthest away from the body’s midline.
- Proximal means nearest to the trunk or point of origin.
- Distal means farthest from the centre or point of attachment.
- The foot is distal to the knee.
- Directional terms describe direction based on a person standing and facing forward.
Final Pep Talk
Review the terms in pairs: anterior with posterior, medial with lateral, and proximal with distal. Give yourself extra practice with the pair that still feels similar.