What does “superficial” mean in anatomical terminology?

In anatomical terminology, "superficial" refers to structures that are closer to the body surface. This term is often used to describe the relative position of tissues, organs, or other anatomical features in relation to the outermost layer of the body. For example, the skin is considered superficial to the muscles beneath it, meaning the skin is situated towards the exterior of the body. This distinction is fundamental in anatomy as it helps in identifying the location of various structures and understanding their relationships to one another in the context of human physiology.