anterior
Last reviewed 01/2018
Anterior is the adjective which describes a specified object nearer to the front of the body in the anatomical position. For example, the nose is more anterior than the ear.
Ventral is used interchangeably with anterior in embryology and comparative anatomy. It takes into account that other animals and embryos cannot be placed in the anatomical position while still indicating the most forward facing item of reference.
The anterior facing surface of the hand is called the palmar surface.
Anterior should be compared with the adjective posterior.