What anatomical orientation term is used to indicate "toward the body surface"?

The term "superficial" is used in anatomy to describe a position that is closer to the surface of the body. When a structure is defined as superficial, it means that it lies nearer to the outer layer of the skin or to the external environment, as opposed to being deeper within the body. For example, if a physician refers to a superficial cut, it means that the cut does not penetrate deeply into the tissues.

In contrast, other terms indicate different relationships to the body's surface. "Proximal" refers to a position closer to the trunk of the body or the point of origin of a limb, while "distal" indicates a position further away from the trunk or point of origin. The term "deep" denotes a structure that lies further away from the body surface, situated within or beneath the outer layers. Understanding these orientation terms is essential for accurately describing locations and relationships between different body structures.