Anatomical and Directional Terms

Question 1

Anterior

Answer 1

Body structure or surface that lies in front of or ahead of another. (Ventral)

Question 2

Posterior

Answer 2

Body structure or surface that lies behind or in the back of another. (Dorsal)

Question 3

Superior

Answer 3

Body part on top or above another. (Supra)

Question 4

Inferior

Answer 4

Body part that lies under or below another. (Infra)

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Body part that lies closer or closest to the median or midline of the body.

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

Body part that lies further or furthest away from median or midline of the body.

Question 7

Superficial

Answer 7

Closer or closest to skin surface. (Synonym: External)

Question 8

Profound

Answer 8

Further or furthest from skin surface. (Synonym: Internal)

Question 9

Cranial

Answer 9

Body part closer to superior portion of spine. (Skull)

Question 10

Caudal

Answer 10

Body part closer to inferior portion of spine. (Tailbone)

Question 11

Dorsal

Answer 11

Refers to back surface of trunk, ankles, and hands.

Question 12

Ventral

Answer 12

Refers to abdominal side of trunk.

Question 13

Plantar

Answer 13

Refers to underside of ankle and foot.

Question 14

Palmar

Answer 14

Refers to palm surface of hand.

Question 15

Hyper

Answer 15

Excessive / higher or more than normal.

Question 16

Hypo

Answer 16

Insufficient / lower or less than normal.

Question 17

Proximal

Answer 17

Body part that is closer to trunk than another.

Question 18

Distal

Answer 18

Body part that is further from trunk than another.

Question 19

Origin

Answer 19

Fixed, immoveable end of a muscle.

Question 20

Insertion

Answer 20

Moveable end of a muscle that moves the long bone or lever.

Question 21

Supine

Answer 21

Refers to facing upwards - trunk, palm, soles of feet.

Question 22

Prone

Answer 22

Refers to facing downwards - trunk, palms, soles of feet.