Which directional term means nearest to the point of origin

These are mostly used with animal anatomy, but can be used in human anatomy as long as they are describing the side of an appendage. Lateral is used to describe anything closer to the sides of the body toward the arms, in the standard anatomical position , while medial is used to describe anything toward the middle of the body.

In general, many structures of the human body are bilateral and symmetrical with the middle of the body, such as the lungs or the arms. Deep refers to structures closer to the interior center of the body. For example, bones in an appendage are located deeper than the muscles. Superficial is used to describe structures that are closer to the exterior surface of the body.

Anatomical Directional Terms Anterior: In front of, front. Posterior: After, behind, following, toward the rear. Distal: Away from, farther from the origin.

Proximal: Near, closer to the origin. Dorsal: Near the upper surface, toward the back. Ventral: Toward the bottom, toward the belly. Superior: Above, over. Inferior: Below, under. Furthermore, which term means near the point of origin? Near the point of origin. Away from the point of origin. Vertical, anteroposterior direction or plane dividing into left and right. Directional term meaning near or on the front or belly side of the body.

Directional Terms Anterior or ventral Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body. Posterior or dorsal Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body. Superior or cranial describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. In the anatomical position , the body is upright, directly facing the observer, feet flat and directed forward. The upper limbs are at the body's sides with the palms facing forward.

If the anatomical position is placed face-up, it is in the supine position. The upper limbs are held out to each side, and the palms of the hands face forward as illustrated in Figure 1. Using this standard position reduces confusion. It does not matter how the body being described is oriented, the terms are used as if it is in anatomical position.

A body that is lying down is described as either prone or supine. Prone describes a face-down orientation, and supine describes a face up orientation. These terms are sometimes used in describing the position of the body during specific physical examinations or surgical procedures.

Certain directional anatomical terms appear throughout this and any other anatomy textbook Figure 1. These terms are essential for describing the relative locations of different body structures. Commit these terms to memory to avoid confusion when you are studying or describing the locations of particular body parts. A section is a two-dimensional surface of a three-dimensional structure that has been cut.

We call these scans. Body sections and scans can be correctly interpreted, only if the viewer understands the plane along which the section was made. A plane is an imaginary, two-dimensional surface that passes through the body. There are three planes commonly referred to in anatomy and medicine, as illustrated in Figure 1. The body maintains its internal organization by means of membranes, sheaths, and other structures that separate compartments.

The main cavities of the body include the cranial, thoracic and abdominopelvic also known as the peritoneal cavities. The cranial bones create the cranial cavity where the brain sits.

Directional terms describe the positions of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body. Superior or cranial - toward the head end of the body; upper example, the hand is part of the superior extremity. Inferior or caudal - away from the head; lower example, the foot is part of the inferior extremity. Anterior or ventral - front example, the kneecap is located on the anterior side of the leg. Posterior or dorsal - back example, the shoulder blades are located on the posterior side of the body.

Medial - toward the midline of the body example, the middle toe is located at the medial side of the foot. Lateral - away from the midline of the body example, the little toe is located at the lateral side of the foot.