Directional Terms
Superior (cranial)
Above or higher in position/closer to the head
Deep
Away from the body surface; more internal.
Lateral
Away from the midline or toward the side of the body
Cranial Cavity
Posterior (dorsal)
Toward the back of the body.
Inferior (caudal)
Below or lower in position/ towards the feet.
Sagittal
Divides the body into right and left parts.
This is inferior to the abdominal cavity and houses the bladder
Pelvic Cavity
Superficial
Toward or at the body surface.
Medial
Towards the midline of the body.
Transverse
Divides the body into upper and lower parts.
This is within the abdomen and houses several major organs.
Abdominal Cavity
This is described as the body standing flat-footed, with toes forward, legs straight, arms at side and the head and palms facing forward.
Anatomical Position
Anterior (ventral)
Toward the front of the body.
Coronal
Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
This is a continuation of the cranial cavity and travels down the midline of the back
Spinal Cavity
Lateral
Away from the midline or toward the side of the body.
Distal
Farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.
Mid Sagittal
Divides the body into equal right and left halves.
This is within the chest and houses the lungs, heart and major blood vessels