Body Terminology Directional Terms

Question 1

Anterior (or ventral)

Answer 1

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body

Question 2

Posterior (or dorsal)

Answer 2

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body

Question 3

Superior (or cranial)

Answer 3

A position above or higher than another part of the body proper

Question 4

Inferior (or caudal)

Answer 4

A position below or lower than another part of the body proper

Question 5

Lateral

Answer 5

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body

Question 6

Medial

Answer 6

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

A position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

A position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Question 9

Superficial

Answer 9

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body

Question 10

Deep

Answer 10

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body

Question 11

Prone

Answer 11

A face-down orientation

Question 12

Supine

Answer 12

A face-up orientation