Orientation and Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior (cranial)

Answer 1

Toward head end or upper part; above

Opposite: Inferior (caudal)

The head is superior to the abdomen

Question 2

Anterior (ventral)

Answer 2

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of

Opposite: Posterior (dorsal)

The breastbone is anterior to the spine

Question 3

Medial

Answer 3

Toward the midline of the body; on inner side of

Opposite: Lateral

The heart is medial to the arm

Question 4

Intermediate

Answer 4

Between a more medial and lateral structure

The collarbone is intermediate between the breastbone and shoulder

Question 5

Proximal

Answer 5

Closer to origin of the body part or point of attach of limb to trunk

Opposite: Distal

Elbow is proximal to wrist

Question 6

Superficial (external)

Answer 6

Toward or at body surface

Opposite: Deep (internal)

Skin is superficial to skeletal muscles

Question 7

Inferior (caudal)

Answer 7

Away from the head end or toward the lower part; below

Oppostite: Superior (cranial)

The abdomen is inferior to the head

Question 8

Posterior (dorsal)

Answer 8

Toward or at the back of the body; behind

Opposite: Anterior (ventral)

The heart is posterior to the breastbone

Question 9

Lateral

Answer 9

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

Opposite: Medial

The arms are lateral to the chest

Question 10

Distal

Answer 10

Farther from origin of body part or POA of limb to trunk

Opposite: Proximal

Knee is distal to thigh

Question 11

Deep (internal)

Answer 11

Away from body surface; more internal

Opposite: Superficial (external

Lungs are deep to the skin