Anatomical Directions

Question 1

Right

Answer 1

To the right of the body or structure being studied

Question 2

Lateral

Answer 2

Toward the side; away from the midsaggital plane

Question 3

Medial

Answer 3

Toward the midsaggital plane

Question 4

Anterior

Answer 4

Toward the front of the body

Question 5

Posterior

Answer 5

Toward the back (rear)

Question 6

Superior

Answer 6

Toward the top of the body

Question 7

Inferior

Answer 7

Toward the bottom of the body

Question 8

Left

Answer 8

To the left of the body ( not your left, the subject’s)

Question 9

Dorsal

Answer 9

Along (or towards) the vertebral surface of the body

Question 10

Ventral

Answer 10

Along (or towards) the belly surface of the body

Question 11

Caudad (caudal)

Answer 11

Toward the tail

Question 12

Cephalad

Answer 12

Towards the head

Question 13

Proximal

Answer 13

Toward ( closer to) the trunk

Question 14

Distal

Answer 14

Away (further from) the trunk or point of attachment

Question 15

Visceral

Answer 15

Toward an internal organ

Question 16

Parietal

Answer 16

Toward the wall: away from internal strucktures

Question 17

Deep

Answer 17

Toward the inside of a part; away from the surface

Question 18

Superficial

Answer 18

Toward the surface of a part; away from the inside

Question 19

Medullary

Answer 19

Refers to an inner region, or medulla. M=middle

Question 20

Cortical/ cortex

Answer 20

Refers to an outer region or cortex