Anatomical Directional Terminology

Question 1

Anterior

Answer 1

In front or in the front part

Question 2

Anteroinferior

Answer 2

In front and below

Question 3

Anterolateral

Answer 3

In front and to the side, especially the outside

Question 4

Anteromedial

Answer 4

In and toward the inner side or midline

Question 5

Anteroposterior

Answer 5

Relating to front and rear

Question 6

Caudal

Answer 6

Below in relation to another structure; inferior

Question 7

Cephalic

Answer 7

Above in relation to another structure; higher, superior

Question 8

Contralateral

Answer 8

Pertaining or relating to the opposite side

Question 9

Deep

Answer 9

Beneath or below the surface; used to describe relative depth or location of muscles or tissue

Question 10

Distal

Answer 10

Situated away from the center or midline of the body, or away from the point of origin

Question 11

Dorsal

Answer 11

Relating to the back; posterior

Question 12

Inferior (infra)

Answer 12

Below in relation to another structure; caudal

Question 13

Ipsilateral

Answer 13

On the same side

Question 14

Lateral

Answer 14

On or to the side; outside, farther from the median or midsagittal plane

Question 15

Medial

Answer 15

Relating to the middle or center; nearer to the medial or midsagittal plan

Question 16

Posterior

Answer 16

Behind, in back, or in the rear

Question 17

Posteroinferior

Answer 17

Behind and below; in back and below

Question 18

Posteromedial

Answer 18

Behind and at the inner part

Question 19

Posterosuperior

Answer 19

Behind and at the upper part

Question 20

Prone

Answer 20

The body lying face downward; stomach lying

Question 21

Proximal

Answer 21

Nearest the truck or the part of origin

Question 22

Superficial

Answer 22

Near the surface; used to describe relative depth or location of muscle or tissue

Question 23

Superior (supra)

Answer 23

Above in relation to another structure; higher, cephalic

Question 24

Supine

Answer 24

Lying on the back; face upward position of the body

Question 25

Ventral

Answer 25

Relating to the belly or abdomen

Question 26

Volar

Answer 26

Relation to palm of the hand or sole of the foot.