Cranial

Cranial (cephalad): An anatomical direction that refers to "toward the head." That is, toward the cranium (the bones of the head). For example, the scalenes are located just cranial to the 1st and 2nd ribs, lateral to the transverse processes of the cervical spine.

• Note that this term is not used as often as superior or proximal , but may add clarity when describing a technique or the location of a structure when the body position or limb position is unknown or changing.

The opposite of Cranial:

• Caudal

For more information on the anatomical directions, check out

• Lesson 1: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Examples of cranial used in practice:

• Palpation: The vertebrae that is cranial to the spinous prominens is C6.
• Manual Therapy: When mobilizing the atlanto-occiptal joint, it may be helpful to add some cranially directed force.
• Assessment: The practitioner noticed that during a postural assessment the shoulder girdle had the appearance of adopting a more cranial position than normal.