Directional Terms: Position and Orientation
Anatomy uses specific terms to describe where body parts are located relative to each other. These terms are always used in pairs:
Anterior means toward the front of the body, while posterior refers to the back. For example, your heart is anterior to your spine, and your spine is posterior to your heart.
Superior describes structures that are above others, while inferior refers to those below. Your head is superior to your shoulders, and your stomach is inferior to your chest.
Medial indicates closer to the midline (imaginary line dividing the body into left and right), while lateral means further from the midline. Your nose is medial to your ears, while your ears are lateral to your nose.
Superficial structures are closer to the body's surface, whereas deep structures are further inside. Your skin is superficial to your muscles, and your bones are deep to your muscles.