Okuzeka
Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Body Regions and Directional Terms

Superficial

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

/ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/adjectiveCore term

In anatomy & physiology, superficial means: Closer to the surface of the body. For example, the skin is superficial to the muscles, and superficial veins can often be seen under the skin.

In Turkish: yüzeysel, yüzeye yakın

How it is used

Paired with deep. Used with 'to' (superficial to the muscle) and before nouns: superficial veins, a superficial wound, a superficial burn. In clinical language it means the damage does not go far below the surface.

Example sentences

  1. The great saphenous vein is a superficial vein that runs along the inner side of the leg.

  2. The cut was superficial and did not reach the tendon.

Common collocations

  • superficial to
  • superficial vein
  • superficial layer
  • superficial wound
  • deepFarther from the surface of the body, toward the inside. For example, the bones of the arm are deep to the muscles that cover them.
  • lateralFarther from the midline of the body; toward the side. For example, the ears are lateral to the eyes.
  • anatomical positionThe standard reference posture used to describe the body: standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with the palms facing forward, and feet together.

More terms: Body Regions and Directional Terms

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level:

This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.