inferonasal

Inferonasal is an anatomical directional term used to describe a position that is inferior (below) and nasal (toward the nose). The term derives from the Latin inferus (lower) and nasalis (nasal). It is employed across medical specialties to specify location relative to a standard reference point, such as the center of the face or the eye.

In ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology, inferonasal denotes a quadrant of the retina located below and toward the nasal side. The retina is often divided into four quadrants around the fovea and optic disc: superotemporal, inferotemporal, superonasal, and inferonasal. Descriptions of lesions, detachments, ischemia, or treatment areas may use the term inferonasal to indicate that the area lies in the inferior-nasal region.

The term also appears in descriptions of facial or nasal structures, where inferonasal can refer to regions situated below the nose or toward the nasal cavity, depending on the referenced frame of reference. In imaging studies or surgical planning, specifying inferonasal helps convey precise spatial information in relation to midline and nasal anatomy.

Usage notes: The exact interpretation of inferonasal is relative to the chosen reference point, such as the fovea or optic disc in ocular contexts, or the face midline in facial anatomy. When used without a defined reference, it is important to clarify the reference frame to avoid ambiguity.

See also: inferior, nasal, retina quadrants, inferotemporal, inferonasal conjunctiva.