Directional Terms

Question 1

Anterior (ventral)

Answer 1

• describes the front or direction toward the front of the body

Ex.) the toes are anterior to the foot

Question 2

Posterior (dorsal)

Answer 2

-describes the back or direction toward the back of the body

Ex.) the popliteus is posterior to the patella

Question 3

Superior (cranial)

Answer 3

• describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper

Ex.) the orbits are superior to the oris

Question 4

Inferior (caudal)

Answer 4

• describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail ( in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column)

Ex.) the pelvis is inferior to the abdomen

Question 5

Lateral

Answer 5

• describes the side or direction toward the side of the body

Ex.) the thumb (pollex) is the lateral to the digits

Question 6

Medial

Answer 6

-describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body

Ex.) the hallux is the medial toe

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

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

Ex.) the brachium is proximal to the antebrachium

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

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

Ex.) the crus is distal to the femur

Question 9

Superficial

Answer 9

• describes a position closer to the surface of the body

Ex.) the skin is superficial to the bones

Question 10

Deep

Answer 10

• describes a position closer to the surface of the body

Ex.) the brain is deep to the skull