What does 'superficial' mean in anatomical terms?

In anatomical terminology, 'superficial' refers to being near or close to the surface of the body. This is an essential term used in anatomy and physiology to describe the relative position of structures. For instance, when comparing two structures in the body, one that is described as superficial is closer to the skin, while another that's deeper (or more internal) would be considered farther from the body surface.

Understanding this concept is important in fields such as medicine, biology, and anatomy, as it helps professionals accurately describe where certain anatomical structures are located in relation to one another. The use of 'superficial' allows practitioners to communicate about procedures, diagnoses, and anatomical studies with precision.