Directional Terms

Question 1

anatomical position

Answer 1

reference point for regional and directional terminology; (ex: standing feet, feet parallel, etc.)

Question 2

superior

Answer 2

toward the head end/ upper part of a structure or body; above

Question 3

inferior

Answer 3

away from the head end; toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below

Question 4

anterior

Answer 4

toward or at the front of the body (ventral); in front of

Question 5

posterior

Answer 5

toward or at the backside of the body (dorsal); behind

Question 6

medial

Answer 6

toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of

Question 7

lateral

Answer 7

away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of

Question 8

intermediate

Answer 8

between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Question 9

proximal

Answer 9

close to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Question 10

distal

Answer 10

farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Question 11

superficial

Answer 11

toward or at the body surface; external

Question 12

deep

Answer 12

away from the body surface; more internal

Question 13

dorsal

Answer 13

related to the back or upper side of a plant/animal

Question 14

ventral

Answer 14

of, on, or relating to the underside of an animal or plant