Body Position & Directional terms

Question 1

What does Anterior or Ventral mean?

Answer 1

Toward the front, away from the back of the body.

Example: The nose is on the anterior side of the face.

Question 2

What does Posterior or Dorsal mean?

Answer 2

Near the back; toward the back of the body.

Example: The spine is on the posterior side of the body.

Question 3

What does Superior or Cephalic refer to?

Answer 3

Above; toward the head.

Example: The neck is superior to the chest.

Question 4

Define Inferior or Caudal.

Answer 4

Below; toward the soles of the feet.

Examples: The knee is inferior to the hip; the stomach is inferior to the chest.

Question 5

What does Proximal mean?

Answer 5

Near the point of attachment to the trunk.

Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.

Question 6

What does Distal mean?

Answer 6

Farther from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Example: The fingers are distal to the wrist.

Question 7

Lateral

Answer 7

Pertaining to the side; away from the
middle

Question 8

Medial

Answer 8

Towards the middle of the body

Question 9

Prone

Answer 9

Lying Horizontal and Face down

Question 10

Supine

Answer 10

Lying Horizontal and Face up