Overview
This lecture covers essential anatomical directional terms, providing clear definitions, memory aids, and practical examples for each term.
Standard Anatomical Position
- The body stands upright, head and eyes forward, arms at sides (slightly away), palms forward, thumbs out, feet flat and facing forward.
- "Right" and "left" always refer to the patient's own sides.
Medial and Lateral
- Medial means toward the midline (middle) of the body.
- Lateral means toward the side, away from the midline.
- Example: The nose is medial to the eyes; the arms are lateral to the torso.
Superior and Inferior
- Superior means above or toward the head (cranial).
- Inferior means below or away from the head (caudal).
- Example: The eyes are superior to the mouth; the liver is inferior to the heart.
Anterior and Posterior
- Anterior means toward the front of the body (ventral).
- Posterior means toward the back of the body (dorsal).
- Example: The kneecap is anterior; the elbow is posterior.
Proximal and Distal
- Proximal means closer to the trunk or point of attachment.
- Distal means farther from the trunk or point of attachment.
- Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist; the hand is distal to the wrist.
Superficial and Deep
- Superficial means closer to the surface of the body.
- Deep means farther from the surface of the body.
- Example: The skin is superficial to the ribs; the lungs are deep to the ribs.
Unilateral and Bilateral
- Unilateral means affecting one side of the body.
- Bilateral means affecting both sides of the body.
- Example: A rash on one arm is unilateral; a rash on both arms is bilateral.
Ipsilateral and Contralateral
- Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body.
- Contralateral means on opposite sides of the body.
- Example: Injuries on the right arm are ipsilateral; one injury on the right and one on the left are contralateral.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomical Position — Standard body posture for reference.
- Medial — Toward the midline of the body.
- Lateral — Toward the side of the body.
- Superior (Cranial) — Toward the head.
- Inferior (Caudal) — Away from the head.
- Anterior (Ventral) — Toward the front.
- Posterior (Dorsal) — Toward the back.
- Proximal — Closer to the trunk or point of attachment.
- Distal — Farther from the trunk or point of attachment.
- Superficial — Nearer to the body surface.
- Deep — Farther from the body surface.
- Unilateral — Affecting one side.
- Bilateral — Affecting both sides.
- Ipsilateral — On the same side.
- Contralateral — On opposite sides.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review previous video on body planes and sections for more detail.
- Access and review the notes and images linked on the website for visual reinforcement.