Anatomy and Physiology

Toward the head end or upper part of of body; above

Ex: The head is superior to the abdomen

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of the body; below

Ex: The navel is inferior to the chin

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of

Ex: The breastbone is anterior to the spine

Toward or at the front of the body; behind

Ex: The heart is posterior to the breastbone

Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of

Ex: the heart is medial to the arm

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of

Ex: the arms are lateral to the chest

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Ex: the collarbone is intermediate between the breastbone and shoulder

Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Ex: The elbow is proximal to the wrist

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Ex: The knee is distal to the thigh

Toward or at the body surface

Ex: The skin is superficial to the skeletal muscles

Away from the body surface; more internal

Ex: The lungs are deep to the skin