What term refers to structures located close to or on the body surface?

The term "superficial" pertains to structures that are situated near or on the surface of the body. In anatomical terminology, superficial indicates a position that is closer to the exterior of the body, as opposed to deeper structures, which are located further from the surface.

For instance, the skin is considered a superficial structure, while muscles and organs found beneath the skin are classified as deep. When discussing other terms, "proximal" refers to a position closer to the point of attachment or origin of a limb or a structure, and "lateral" denotes a position away from the midline of the body. Therefore, in the context of body orientation, "superficial" is the most appropriate descriptor for structures that are directly associated with the outer layer or surface of the body.