Superior
Superior: An anatomical direction that refers to a structure located "above" another structure. Generally, this term is used to describe the relative position of a structure when the body is in the anatomical position. For example, the nose is superior to the mouth.
- Note that this term does not refer to "on top of", or "superficial to." For example, superior to the rectus abdominis is the xiphoid process, sternum, and ribcage, but superficial to the rectus abdominis is the rectus sheath and skin.
The opposite of superior:
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Here is a list of anatomical structures with the word "superior" included in their name:
- Superior Vena Cava: A large vein carrying deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart's right atrium.
- Gemellus Superior: The "upper muscle" of two gemelli muscles that aid in hip stabilization, and are part of a group of muscles referred to as the deep rotators of the hip .
- Superior Fibular Retinaculum: A thickened band of connective tissue that holds the tendons of the fibularis longus and brevis muscles in place as they pass around the lateral malleolus of the ankle.