Here's a breakdown:
* Cranial: This term is often used in anatomical descriptions, referring to structures closer to the skull or head. It signifies the direction towards the head.
* Superior: This term generally indicates a position higher than another structure, specifically in anatomical descriptions of the body's vertical axis.
* Rostral: This term is often used in describing the head and face, specifically in vertebrates. It implies a position towards the snout or beak, which is the anterior part of the head.
Therefore, cranial or superior rostral are synonyms and can be used interchangeably to indicate the head or front end of an organism.
For example, in a dog, its nose would be considered cranial or superior rostral compared to its tail.