Terminology

Introduction

When describing injuries, equipment, PPE, clothing, and other items related to the anatomy of the human body, it is important to have a universal language to describe the placement or order of these items.  This is especially true when words are the only way to describe a situation, as is the case with written reports or in a deposition.  Any explanation where pictures or diagrams cannot be examined readily is a primary reason for having these orienting and directional terms at the ready in your vocabulary.

 

Resources

• Anatomical Orientation and Directional Terms Flashcards | Quizlet
• Definition of Anatomic orientation terms
• Anatomical terms of location - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Examples

Superior

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above.

Ex: The head is superior to the abdomen.

Inferior

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below.

Ex: The navel is inferior to the chin.

Ventral

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of.

 

Dorsal

Toward or at the back of the body; behind.

 

From <https://quizlet.com/4117146/anatomical-orientation-and-directional-terms-flash-cards/>