Anatomical Directions

Question 1

Medial

Answer 1

Toward the midsaggital plane (center); away from the side

Question 2

Anterior

Answer 2

Toward the front of the body

Question 3

Posterior

Answer 3

Toward the bottom of the body

Question 4

Dorsal

Answer 4

Along (or toward) the vertebral surface of the body

Question 5

Ventral

Answer 5

Along (toward) the belly surface

Question 6

Caudad(caudal)

Answer 6

Toward the tail

Question 7

Cephalad

Answer 7

Toward the head

Question 8

Proximal

Answer 8

Toward the trunk (only applies to the arms and legs)

Question 9

Distal

Answer 9

Away from the trunk or point of attachment (only using arms or legs)

Question 10

Visceral

Answer 10

Toward and internal organ (closest membrane to organ)

Question 11

Parietal

Answer 11

Toward the wall: away from internal structures

Question 12

Deep

Answer 12

Toward the inside of a part; away from the surface

Question 13

Superficial

Answer 13

Toward the surface of a part; away from the inside

Question 14

Medullary

Answer 14

Refers to an inner region, or medulla

Question 15

Cortical

Answer 15

Refers to an outer region or cortex

Question 16

Lateral

Answer 16

Toward the side; away from the middsaggital plane

Question 17

Superior

Answer 17

Toward the top of the body

Question 18

Inferior

Answer 18

Toward the bottom of the body