Directional Terminology

Question 1

Inferior

Answer 1

Away from the head or towards the lower part of structure

Question 2

Superior

Answer 2

Above; at a higher level

Question 3

Anterior

Answer 3

Nearer the front of the body

Question 4

Posterior

Answer 4

Nearer the back of the body

Question 5

Medial lateral

Answer 5

Nearer the midline of the body or structure. Further from midline (towards the side) of the body or structure.

Question 6

Intermediate

Answer 6

Between two structures, e.g. The transverse colon is intermediate between the ascending and descending colon.

Question 7

Ipsilateral

Answer 7

On the same side of the body, e.g. The gallbladder and ascending colon are ipsilateral

Question 8

Contralateral

Answer 8

On the opposite side of the body, e.g. The ascending and descending colons are contralateral.

Question 9

Proximal

Answer 9

Closer to the origin of a limb or organ, e.g. The humerus is proximal to the radius.

Question 10

Distal

Answer 10

Further from the origin of a limb or organ, e.g. The tibia is distal to the femur

Question 11

Superficial

Answer 11

Closer to the surface of the body, e.g. The ribs are superficial to the lungs.

Question 12

Deep

Answer 12

Further away from the surface of the body, e.g. The lungs are deep to the ribs