Anatomical Position & Directional Terms

Overview

This lecture introduces anatomical position and key directional terms used to describe locations and relationships of body parts in anatomy.

The anatomical position is the standard reference for body orientation in anatomy.
In anatomical position, the body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.
Feet are flat on the floor and slightly apart; eyes face directly ahead.

Directional terms help describe the locations of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body.
Superior means toward the head; inferior means toward the feet.
Anterior (ventral) refers to the front; posterior (dorsal) refers to the back.
Medial means closer to the midline of the body; lateral means farther from the midline.
Proximal means closer to the point of attachment to the trunk; distal means farther from the point of attachment.
Superficial means closer to the surface of the body; deep means farther from the surface.

Anatomical Position — Standard body position for reference in anatomy: standing, facing forward, arms/palms forward.
Superior — Toward the head or upper part of a structure.
Inferior — Away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.
Anterior (ventral) — Toward the front of the body.
Posterior (dorsal) — Toward the back of the body.
Medial — Closer to the midline.
Lateral — Farther from the midline.
Proximal — Nearer to the trunk or point of origin.
Distal — Farther from the trunk or point of origin.
Superficial — Closer to the surface of the body.
Deep — Farther from the surface.

Practice labeling diagrams using the correct anatomical position and directional terms.
Review textbook sections on anatomical terminology as assigned.