Directional terms

Question 1

Anterior

Answer 1

Describes the direction towards the front

Question 2

Posterior

Answer 2

Describes the direction towards the back

Question 3

Superior

Answer 3

Describes a position above or higher

Question 4

Inferior

Answer 4

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body. eg. the patella is inferior to the femur

Question 5

Lateral

Answer 5

Describes the direction heading away from the midline of the body. eg. The arm is lateral to the abdomen

Question 6

Medial

Answer 6

Describes the direction towards the middle of the body. eg. The nose is medial to the ears

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

Describes a position of a limb that is further 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. eg. The skin is superficial to the bones

Question 10

Deep

Answer 10

Describes a position further from the surface of the body. eg. The heart is deep to the chest