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Chapter 9 Human Body Orientation 447
Section 9.3 Terms of Location
Anatomy and physiology includes many terms related to the locations of body
parts. All of these terms apply only when the body is in anatomical position.
Some of the terms you will learn about in this section include superior, r r inferior,r r
ventral, dorsal, medial, lateral, intermediate, proximal, distal, superficial, and
deep. By the end of this section, you will know how to use all of these terms
correctly.
The terms below are some of those that will be introduced in Section 9.3.
To become familiar with these terms, reproduce each word on the line beside
it. Pronounce each term as you write it. You will learn the definitions of these
words as you complete this section.
1. superior ______________________________________
2. inferior ______________________________________
3. ventral _______________________________________
4. dorsal ________________________________________
5. medial _______________________________________
6. lateral ________________________________________
7. intermediate _________________________________
8. proximal _____________________________________
9. distal ________________________________________
10. superficial____________________________________fi
11. deep _________________________________________
Concept 1: Describing Location
In anatomy and physiology, healthcare professionals and students often
describe the locations of body parts in comparison to other body parts. Com-
paring the locations of body parts in relation to each other makes it easier to
envision positions on the body. Note that the terms of location introduced in
this section only apply to body parts when the body is in anatomical position.
Recall Activity
1. Healthcare professionals and students often describe the locations of body parts in comparison to
__________________________.
2. Terms of location only apply to body parts when the body is in __________________________.
3. True or False. Terms of location apply to body parts when the body is in any position. ______________
Concept 2: Superior and Inferior
The terms superior and r inferior indicate whether a body part is closer to the r
head or closer to the feet. If a body part is superior, it is closer to the head. If a
r r
body part is inferior, it is closer to the feet. For example, your head is superior
r r
to your neck, and your neck is inferior to your head. Your neck is superior to
your shoulder, and your shoulder is inferior to your neck (Figure 9.11).
superior closer to the head
of the body
inferior closer to the feet of
the body