Peripheral

Peripheral means "away from the center." It refers to areas away from the center of the body or a body part.

For example, the hands are peripheral to the shoulder. The toes are peripheral to the knees.

References

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company; 2021. www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/760005/all/peripheral. Accessed December 16, 2024.

Anatomical landmarks adult – back - illustration
There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.
Anatomical landmarks adult – back
illustration
Anatomical landmarks adult - front - illustration
There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.
Anatomical landmarks adult - front
illustration
Peripheral orientation - illustration
Peripheral refers to away from the center of the body or body part.
Peripheral orientation
illustration

Anatomical landmarks adult – back - illustration
There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.
Anatomical landmarks adult – back
illustration
Anatomical landmarks adult - front - illustration
There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.
Anatomical landmarks adult - front
illustration
Peripheral orientation - illustration
Peripheral refers to away from the center of the body or body part.
Peripheral orientation
illustration

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Review Date: 1/1/2025

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Health Library

Peripheral

References

Anatomical landmarks adult – back - illustration

Anatomical landmarks adult – back

Anatomical landmarks adult - front - illustration

Anatomical landmarks adult - front

Peripheral orientation - illustration

Peripheral orientation