Which directional term describes a position away from the body surface?

The term that describes a position away from the body surface is "deep." In anatomical terminology, "deep" refers to structures that are situated further inside the body, away from the external layers or the surface. For example, muscles are considered deep relative to the skin, as they lie beneath the outer layer of the body. This differentiation is essential for accurately describing the location of various structures in relation to each other within the body.

The other terms pertain to different spatial relationships. "Superficial" denotes structures that are closer to the body surface, while "proximal" and "distal" are used primarily to describe locations on limbs. "Proximal" refers to a position closer to the point of attachment of a limb to the body, and "distal" indicates a position farther from that point. Understanding these terms helps in communicating effectively about anatomical relations and positions in a clear and precise manner.