Anatomical Directional Terms

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

Standing straight with palms facing forward. S the standard reference point with all positions, movements, and planes are described

Question 2

Anatomical Planes

Answer 2

Fixed lines of reference along with the body is divided or sectioned to facilitate viewing of it’s structure

Question 3

Sagittal / Midsagittal

Answer 3

The plane that divided the body into right and left portions (Mid=Equal)

Question 4

Frontal / Coronal

Answer 4

The plane dividing the body into the front and back portions

Question 5

Transverse / Horizontal Planes

Answer 5

Dividing the body into the upper and lower portions

Question 6

Superior

Answer 6

Closer to the head or higher than another structure in the body

Question 7

Inferior

Answer 7

Closer to the feet or lower than another structure in the body

Question 8

Anterior

Answer 8

More in front of another structure in the body

Question 9

Posterior

Answer 9

More in the back of another structure in the body

Question 10

Medial

Answer 10

Closer to the midline or median plane of the body than another structure in the body

Question 11

Lateral

Answer 11

Further away from the midline plane than another structure in the body

Question 12

Distal

Answer 12

Further away from the root of the limb than another structure in that limb

Question 13

Proximal

Answer 13

Closer to the root of the limb than another structure in that limb

Question 14

Superficial

Answer 14

Closer to the surface of the body than another structure

Question 15

Deep

Answer 15

Closer to the core of the body than another structure

Question 16

Ventral

Answer 16

Towards the front / belly

Question 17

Dorsal

Answer 17

Towards the back

Question 18

Prone

Answer 18

Lying face down

Question 19

Supine

Answer 19

Lying face up

Question 20

Unilateral

Answer 20

Pertaining to one side of the body

Question 21

Bilateral

Answer 21

Pertaining to both sides of the body