<P> When anatomists refer to the right and left of the body, it is in reference to the right and left of the subject, not the right and left of the observer . When observing a body in the anatomical position, the left of the body is on the observer's right, and vice versa . </P> <P> These standardized terms avoid confusion . Examples of terms include: </P> <Ul> <Li> Anterior and posterior, which describe structures at the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the body . For example, the toes are anterior to the heel, and the popliteus is posterior to the patella . </Li> <Li> Superior and inferior, which describe a position above (superior) or below (inferior) another part of the body . For example, the orbits are superior to the oris, and the pelvis is inferior to the abdomen . </Li> <Li> Proximal and distal, which describe a position that is closer (proximal) or further (distal) from the trunk of the body . For example, the shoulder is proximal to the arm, and the foot is distal to the knee . </Li> <Li> Superficial and deep, which describe structures that are closer to (superficial) or further from (deep) the surface of the body . For example, the skin is superficial to the bones, and the brain is deep to the skull . Sometimes profound is used synonymously with deep . </Li> <Li> Medial and lateral, which describe a position that is closer to (medial) or further from (lateral) the midline of the body . For example, the nose is medial to the eyes, and the thumb is lateral to the other fingers . </Li> <Li> Ventral and dorsal, which describe structures derived from the front (ventral) and back (dorsal) of the embryo, before limb rotation . </Li> <Li> Cranial and caudal, which describe structures close to the top of the skull (cranial), and towards the bottom of the body (caudal). </Li> <Li> Occasionally, sinister for left, and dexter for right are used . </Li> <Li> Paired, referring to a structure that is present on both sides of the body . For example, the hands are paired structures . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Anterior and posterior, which describe structures at the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the body . For example, the toes are anterior to the heel, and the popliteus is posterior to the patella . </Li>

Explain the difference between the following anatomical directions