Human Anatomy Physiology Chapter
1 Study Guide – Body Organization,
Homeostasis, Anatomical Terms &
Basic Principles (Complete Review
2026)
Superior (cranial)
toward the head 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
Ventral (anterior)
toward or at the front of the body; in front of
Dorsal (posterior)
Toward or at the back of the body; behind
Medial
toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of
Lateral
away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of
Intermediate
between a more medial and a more lateral structure
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
toward or at the body surface
Deep (internal)
away from the body surface; more internal
Anatomical Position
erect, feet forward, arms at side with palms facing forward, head facing forward,
internationally know
Directional Terms
allow us to explain where one body structure is in relation to another
Axial
fundamental division of our body. Makes up the main axis of our body, includes the
head, neck, and trunk.
Appendicular
fundamental division of our body. relating to the limbs and their attachments to the axis.
Regional Terms
, used to designate specific areas within major body divisions
Abdominal
pertaining to the anterior body trunk region inferior to the ribs
Acromial
pertaining to the point of the shoulder
Antebrachial
pertaining to the forearm
Antecubital
pertaining to the anterior surface of the elbow
Axillary
pertaining to the armpit
Brachial
pertaining to the arm
Buccal
pertaining to the cheek
Carpal
Pertaining to the wrist
Cephalic
pertaining to the head
Cervical
pertaining to the neck region
Coxal
pertaining to the hip
Crural
pertaining to the leg
Digital
pertaining to the fingers or toes
Femoral
pertaining to the thigh
Fibular (peroneal)
pertaining to the side of the leg
Frontal
pertaining to the forehead
Hallux
pertaining to the great toe
Inguinal
pertaining to the groin
Mammary
pertaining to the breast
Manus
pertaining to the hand
Mental
pertaining to the chin
Nasal
pertaining to the nose
Oral
1 Study Guide – Body Organization,
Homeostasis, Anatomical Terms &
Basic Principles (Complete Review
2026)
Superior (cranial)
toward the head 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
Ventral (anterior)
toward or at the front of the body; in front of
Dorsal (posterior)
Toward or at the back of the body; behind
Medial
toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of
Lateral
away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of
Intermediate
between a more medial and a more lateral structure
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
toward or at the body surface
Deep (internal)
away from the body surface; more internal
Anatomical Position
erect, feet forward, arms at side with palms facing forward, head facing forward,
internationally know
Directional Terms
allow us to explain where one body structure is in relation to another
Axial
fundamental division of our body. Makes up the main axis of our body, includes the
head, neck, and trunk.
Appendicular
fundamental division of our body. relating to the limbs and their attachments to the axis.
Regional Terms
, used to designate specific areas within major body divisions
Abdominal
pertaining to the anterior body trunk region inferior to the ribs
Acromial
pertaining to the point of the shoulder
Antebrachial
pertaining to the forearm
Antecubital
pertaining to the anterior surface of the elbow
Axillary
pertaining to the armpit
Brachial
pertaining to the arm
Buccal
pertaining to the cheek
Carpal
Pertaining to the wrist
Cephalic
pertaining to the head
Cervical
pertaining to the neck region
Coxal
pertaining to the hip
Crural
pertaining to the leg
Digital
pertaining to the fingers or toes
Femoral
pertaining to the thigh
Fibular (peroneal)
pertaining to the side of the leg
Frontal
pertaining to the forehead
Hallux
pertaining to the great toe
Inguinal
pertaining to the groin
Mammary
pertaining to the breast
Manus
pertaining to the hand
Mental
pertaining to the chin
Nasal
pertaining to the nose
Oral
