What does 'cephalad' signify in medical terminology?

The term 'cephalad' is derived from the Greek word 'kephalē,' which means 'head.' In medical terminology, 'cephalad' indicates a direction toward the head or the upper part of the body. This directional term is often used in anatomy and medical contexts to describe movement or locations in relation to the head, helping to clarify positions and orientations for healthcare professionals. Understanding this term is important for accurately describing procedures or conditions that affect the upper portions of the body. In contrast, the other terms relate to different anatomical directions: one refers to a direction toward the feet, another indicates movement away from the midline, and the last one points away from the head.