What anatomical term describes the position closer to the surface of the body?

The term that describes a position closer to the surface of the body is "superficial." This term is commonly used in anatomy to differentiate between structures that are located near the outer layers of the body and those that are found deeper within. For example, if one describes a wound that is superficial, it indicates that the injury affects only the outer layers of the skin rather than extending into deeper tissues or organs.

In contrast, the term "deep" refers to structures located further away from the body surface, typically within body cavities or underlying layers. The concepts of "medial" and "lateral" relate to the positioning of structures in relation to the midline of the body; "medial" means closer to the midline, while "lateral" means further away. Understanding these terms is essential for accurately describing and communicating the locations of different anatomical structures.