Anatomical Directional Terms & Body Positions

Question 1

Anterior (ventral)

Answer 1

front of the body

Question 2

Cranial

Answer 2

toward the head; pertaining to the head

Question 3

deep

Answer 3

away from the surface

Question 4

Lateral

Answer 4

away from the midline of the body; to the side

Question 5

medial

Answer 5

toward the midline, pertaining to the middle

Question 6

Posterior

Answer 6

toward the back

Question 7

Ventral

Answer 7

front

Question 8

Anatomical position

Answer 8

erect, feet forward, arms at side with palms facing forward, head facing forward

Question 9

Fowler position

Answer 9

on back, head of bed raised 45 or 90 degrees, knees can be supported for comfort

Question 10

lithotomy position

Answer 10

on back, legs flexed on abdomen, thighs apart

Question 11

supine

Answer 11

lying face up

Question 12

Trendelenburg position

Answer 12

on back with head lowered by tilting bed back at 45 degree angle

Question 13

Sims position

Answer 13

on left side, right leg drawn up high and forward, left arm along back and chest forwards resting on bed

Question 14

Caudal

Answer 14

toward the tail, downwards

Question 15

dorsal recumbent position

Answer 15

patient is lying on the back, face up, with the knees bent