1.6 Directional Terms

Question 1

Anterior

Answer 1

Ventral- Described the front or direction toward the front of the body.
Ex) toes are anterior to the foot

Question 2

Posterior

Answer 2

Dorsal- Describes back of body.
Ex) popliteus posterior to the patella

Question 3

Superior

Answer 3

Cranal- Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper
Orbits are superior to the oris

Question 4

Inferior

Answer 4

Caudal- position below or lower; near or toward the tail
Ex) pelvis is inferior to the abdomen

Question 5

Lateral

Answer 5

Describes the side or toward the side of the body
Ex) thumb (pollex) is lateral to digits

Question 6

Medial

Answer 6

Describes the middle or toward middle of body
Ex) Hallux is the medial toe

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attatchment or the trunk of the body.
Ex) brachium is proximal to the antebrachium

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attatchment or the trunk of the body
Ex) crus is distal to femur

Question 9

Deep

Answer 9

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body
Ex) brain is deep to the skull