What is the term for the direction toward the lower part of the body?

The term "inferior" refers to the direction toward the lower part of the body. In anatomical terminology, inferior is used to describe a position that is below another part. For example, the stomach is inferior to the heart, meaning that it is located lower in the anatomical position relative to the heart. This term is essential in providing clear communication about the locations of various structures in a consistent manner, especially in medical settings where precision is critical.

The other terms refer to different directional aspects: "superior" means toward the upper part of the body, "medial" indicates a position closer to the midline, and "lateral" refers to a position farther from the midline. Understanding these directional terms allows for accurate descriptions of relationships between different parts of the body.