Directional Terms and Body Planes

Question 1

What is the anatomical position?

Answer 1

This position is used to describe body parts and positions of patients regardless if they are lying down, on their side or facing down. In the anatomical position:

1. The person is standing upright with arms to the side.
2. Palms facing forward and thumbs pointing away from the body.
3. Feet slightly apart and parallel to each other with the toes pointing forward
4. The head facing forward and the eyes looking straight ahead.

Question 2

Which anatomical directional term means ‘towards the back of the body’?

Answer 2

Posterior (Dorsal)

Question 3

Which anatomical directional term describes that the body part in question is ‘in front of’?

Answer 3

Anterior (Ventral)

Question 4

Which directional term describes something which is closer to the trunk or a point of origin?

Answer 4

Proximal

Question 5

Which anatomical terms mean ‘towards the surface’ or outside?

Answer 5

Superficial