What is the anatomical term for the front of the body?

The term "anterior" refers to the front of the body in anatomical terminology. In anatomical orientations, the anterior side is the part of the body that is typically directed forward when a person is in the standard anatomical position, which is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. This term is essential for accurately describing the location of structures and for understanding how different regions of the body relate to one another.

In contrast, "posterior" refers to the back of the body, "lateral" describes structures that are further away from the midline of the body (to the sides), and "medial" indicates a position closer to the midline. Understanding these terms is fundamental in fields such as anatomy, medicine, and therapeutic practices, as it helps professionals communicate precisely about human anatomy and its structures.