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Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Body Regions and Directional Terms

Superior

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

/suːˈpɪriər/adjectiveCore term

In anatomy & physiology, superior means: Toward the head or the upper part of a structure; above. For example, the head is superior to the shoulders.

In Turkish: üst, yukarıda, superior

How it is used

Used with 'to' to compare positions: the heart is superior to the diaphragm. It also appears in the names of structures, such as the superior vena cava. Cranial is a close synonym. In anatomy it has nothing to do with being better.

Example sentences

  1. The heart lies superior to the diaphragm.

  2. The superior vena cava returns blood from the head and arms to the heart.

Common collocations

  • superior to
  • superior border
  • superior vena cava
  • superior aspect
  • superiorly
  • inferiorAway from the head or toward the lower part of a structure; below. For example, the stomach is inferior to the diaphragm.
  • 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.
  • proximalCloser to the point where a limb joins the trunk, or closer to the beginning of a structure. For example, the elbow is proximal to the wrist.

More terms: Body Regions and Directional Terms

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