What anatomical term means toward the head?

The term that means "toward the head" is cranial. This anatomical term is used to describe a position that is closer to the head or the upper part of the body. In human anatomy, when discussing the relative positions of different body parts, cranial indicates a direction toward the skull or upper region of the torso.

For instance, if considering the relationship between the heart and stomach, one would say that the heart is cranial to the stomach, as it is positioned higher up in the body. This terminology helps in providing clarity in medical descriptions, ensuring that there is a precise understanding of where structures are located relative to one another.

In contrast, terms such as caudal, medial, and lateral describe different directional relationships. Caudal refers to a position closer to the tail or lower body. Medial indicates a position closer to the midline of the body, while lateral specifies a position further away from the midline. Each of these terms has its unique meaning in the context of anatomy, but cranial specifically identifies a direction toward the head.