Anatomical Directions

Definition: Anatomical directions are the terms that are used to define the location of a region in the body (or brain), usually in relation to another structure. These terms are;Anterior: Front of something Posterior: Back of something Medial: Something close to the midline Mesial: located on the Side of the Brain where the two Hemispheres face each other Lateral: Something located in one of the sides (right or left) Contralateral: Located in the opposite site of a structure Ipsilateral: Located in the same side of a structure Bilateral: Located in both sides of a structure Superior: Above or upper part of something Inferior: Below or lower part of something Rostral: towards the front (mouth/nose; anterior) Caudal: towards the back (tail; posterior) Dorsal: towards the top of the head (like the dorsal fin of a shark; superior; to the back e.g. in the spinal chord) Ventral: towards the bottom of the brain (inferior; or to the stomach e.g. ventral columns of the spinal chord)

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References: https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.22677

Related terms: Nervous system, Anatomy