Anatomical Orientation
Anatomical position
- The vertebral column is vertical, the arms are extended with palms facing anteriorly, and the legs are extended with toes pointing anteriorly (towards the front of the body).
Directional nomenclature
Proximal
- Closer to the center of the body or limb attachment
Distal
- Further from the center of the body or limb attachment
Contralateral
- On opposite sides of the body
Ipsilateral
- On same side of the body
Intermediate
- A structure between two others
Superior
- Towards the top of the head
Inferior
- Towards the feet
Medial
- Towards the midline of the body
Lateral
- Away from the midline of the body
Sagittal plane
- Divides body into right and left sides
Transverse plane
- Divides body into superior and inferior divisions
Superficial
- Structure that is close to the surface of the body
Deep
- A structure that is near the center of the body