The term "anterior" refers to a position located toward the front of the body or an object. In anatomy, it is often used to describe structures that are closer to the head or face compared to other parts. For example, the sternum is anterior to the spine. In contrast to "posterior," which indicates a position toward the back, "anterior" helps in understanding the spatial relationships between different body parts. This terminology is essential in fields like medicine and biology, where precise descriptions are necessary for effective communication and understanding of anatomy.