Directional Body Terms

Superior (cranial) Toward the head or end or upper part of a structure or the body; above

Inferior (caudal) Away from the head end or toward the lower part of  a structure or the body; below

Anterior (ventral) Toward or at the front of the body; in front of

Posterior (dorsal) Toward or at the back of the body; behind

Medial- Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of

 Proximal- Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Distal- Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Superficial (external) Toward or at the body surface

Deep (internal) Away from the body surface; more internal

Intermediate- Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Lateral- Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of

Why are the Directional Body Terms important to science, I believe this is because it helps to direct where the body parts are on the body and would help to discuss to others doctors which way to cut or where something is located. Another reason why I believe these terms are helpful is just to know the language of Anatomy which I think plays a role of how and why doctors learn how to discuss this. That to me is why these terms even play any role at all in the world and that's why I think it's important in the world of Anatomy.