1. Anatomy Direction Words By: Tricia Redburn

2. Anterior Definition: Nearer the front, especially situated in the front of the body or nearer to the head. Pronounced: an-teer-ee-er Example: “The veins anterior to the heart.“ Origin: French and Latin.

3. Posterior Definition: Further back in position; of or nearer the rear or hind end, especially of the body or a part of it. Pronounced: po-steer-ee-er Example: “The posterior part of the gut.“ Origin: Latin.

4. Medial Definition: Situated in the middle, in particular. Pronounced: mee-dee-uh l Example: “He suffered a torn medial collateral ligament and posterior circulate ligament.” Origin: Latin and Late Latin.

5. Lateral Definition: Of, at, toward, or from the side or sides. Pronounced: lat-er-uh l Example: “The plant takes up water through its lateral roots.“ Origin: Latin.

6. Distal Definition: Situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment. Pronounced: dis-tl Example: “The distal end of the tibia." Origin: English.

7. Proximal Definition: Situated nearer to the center of the body or the point of attachment. Pronounced: prok-suh-muh l Example: “The proximal end of the forearm.“ Origin: Latin and English.

8. Ventral Definition: Of, on, or relating to the underside of an animal or plant; abdominal. Pronounced: ven-truh l Example: “A ventral nerve cord.“ Origin: Latin and English.

9. Dorsal Definition: Of, on, or relating to the upper side or back of an animal, plant, or organ. Pronounced: dawr-suh l Example: “A dorsal view of the body.“ Origin: Medieval Latin, Late Latin, and Latin.