Page 4 - Chapter 1 Introduction to the Human Body

the risk for illness. In addition, homeostatic imbalance is also responsible for the physical
changes associated with aging. Even more serious than illness and other characteristics of
aging is death.

D. Anatomical Terms: Talking About the Body
1. Anatomical position. The body is standing erect with the face
forward, the arms at the sides, and the toes and the palms
directed forward.

2. Relative positions
a. Superior and inferior
b. Anterior and posterior; ventral and dorsal
c. Medial and lateral
d. Proximal and distal
e. Superficial and deep
f. Central and peripheral
Superior Toward the head.

Inferior Away from the head.

Proximal Closer to the point of attachment to the trunk.

Distal Farther from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Superficial Closer to the body surface.

Deep Farther from the body surface.

Medial Toward the midline of the body

Lateral Away from the midline of the body.