Inn radiology, certain common terms may mean entirely different in our field; so it is very important to learn these terms in order to avoid confusion and further complications, especially in delivering health care to our patients.
Below are the directional terms used in radiographic positioning:
- Anterior or Ventral – front or forward aspect of the body or body part.
- Posterior or Dorsal – backward part of the body.
- Medial or Mesial – towards the median plane or middle part of the body. Example: Spine is medial to the kidney.
- Lateral – refers to the position away to the median plane or middle part of the body. It is the opposite of medial position. Ex: kidneys are lateral to the spine.
- Proximal – parts close to the point of origin or attachment.
Ex: elbow is proximal to the wrist. - Distal – parts furthest to the point of origin.
Ex: fingers are distal to the wrist. - Cephalad – termed as cephalic, cranial or superior.
- Pertaining to or towards the head. - Caudal – termed as inferior.
- Away from the head or towards the tail or feet.
