What anatomical term means away from the surface of the body?

The anatomical term that means away from the surface of the body is "deep." This term is used to describe structures that are located further into the body, away from the outer layers or surface. For example, if a doctor refers to a muscle being deep to the skin, it means that the muscle lies underneath the skin and is not visible from the outside.

Understanding this term is essential in anatomy and medical practice because it helps in accurately describing the locations of various organs and tissues in relation to others, facilitating better communication among healthcare professionals. In contrast, terms like proximal and distal relate to the positioning of limbs and structures relative to the body's center, while lateral refers to positions away from the midline, making them specific to certain contexts rather than describing depth.