Anatomic Directional Terms

Question 1

Anterior

Answer 1

Relative to the front (Belly side) or the back of the body, In front of; towards the front surface

Question 2

Posterior

Answer 2

Relative to the front (Belly side) or the back of the body, in back of; towards the back surface

Question 3

Dorsal

Answer 3

Relative to the front (Belly side) or the back of the body, Towards the back side of the human body

Question 4

Ventral

Answer 4

Relative to the front (Belly side) or the back of the body, towards the belly side of the human body

Question 5

Superior

Answer 5

Relative to the head or bottom of body, closer to the head

Question 6

Inferior

Answer 6

Relative to the head or bottom of body, Closer to the feet

Question 7

Cranial (Cephalic)

Answer 7

Relative to the head or bottom of body, Towards the head end

Question 8

Caudal

Answer 8

Relative to the head or bottom of body, towards the rear or tail end

Question 9

Rostral

Answer 9

Relative to the head or bottom of body, Towards the nose or the mouth

Question 10

Medial

Answer 10

Relative to the midline or center of the body, towards the midline of the body

Question 11

Lateral

Answer 11

Relative to the midline or center of the body, Away from the midline of the body

Question 12

Ipsilateral

Answer 12

Relative to the midline or center of the body, on the same side

Question 13

Contralateral

Answer 13

Relative to the midline or center of the body, on the opposite side

Question 14

Deep

Answer 14

Relative to the midline or center of the body, closer to the inside, internal to another structure

Question 15

Superficial

Answer 15

Relative to the midline or center of the body, closer to the outside, external to another structure

Question 16

Proximal

Answer 16

Relative to the point of attachment of an appendage, Closer to point of attachment of the trunk

Question 17

Distal

Answer 17

Relative to the point of attachment of an appendage, Farther away from the point of attachment to the trunk