Directional Terms for the Human Body

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

standard position which body is facing forward, feet parallel to each other, arms to the sides with palms facing outward

Question 2

Superior

Answer 2

Toward the upper end of body/structure

Question 3

Inferior

Answer 3

Toward lower end of body/structure

Question 4

Anterior

Answer 4

Toward front of body/structure

Question 5

Posterior

Answer 5

Toward back of body/structure

Question 6

Medial

Answer 6

Toward middle of body/structure

Question 7

Lateral

Answer 7

Toward outer sides of body/structure (opposite of medial)

Question 8

Intermediate

Answer 8

In between medial and lateral

Question 9

Proximal

Answer 9

Close to origin of the body/part

Question 10

Distal

Answer 10

Away from origin of body/part (opposite of proximal)

Question 11

Supperficial

Answer 11

Towards the surface of the body

Question 12

Deep

Answer 12

Away or below the body surface

Question 13

Dorsal Body Cavity

Answer 13

Contains the cranial cavity and spinal column

Question 14

Ventral Body Cavity

Answer 14

Contains all structures within the chest and abdomen

Question 15

Diaphragm divides ventral cavity into

Answer 15

Thoracic cavity; abdominal and pelvic cavities