Deep

The terms deep and superficial are used to describe locations of body structures with reference to the ‘surface’ of the body. Deep means away from the body surface (usually more internally placed), while ‘superficial’ means closer to the surface of the body.

For instance, the brain and spinal cord are deeper structures which are being protected within the bony skull and vertebral column, that are relatively more superficial. Another example could be that of the fascial wrappings of the body. The outer superficial fascia containing cutaneous vessels and nerves is closer to the body surface as compared to the deep fascia which is more internally placed.