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Anatomy
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Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
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AnatomyBasicsTerminologySuperior
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AnatomyBasicsTerminologySuperior

Superior

Author: Gordana Sendić, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Directional terms and body planes [10:35]
Locating structures in your body is one of the main components of anatomy. Learn all terms used to describe location in the human body.
Superior
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Synonyms: Cranial, cranialis

Superior is a directional term used to describe a structure that is situated above relative to a specific reference point, as well as to describe a structure that is directed upwards, towards the vertex of the head. 

Likewise, the prefix supra- indicates that a structure lies superior to another, such as the suprarenal glands that are found superior to the kidneys.

The directional term opposite of superior is inferior. For example, the heart lies superior to the stomach, while the stomach lies inferior to the heart.

Terminology English: Superior
Latin: Superior
Synonyms: Cranial, supra-
Examples Superior vena cava, Superior rectus muscle

Now that you know what superior means, learn about the rest of the directional terms and body planes in the following study unit:

Directional terms and body planes Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

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