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; away from the side

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

Dorsal

Answer 8

Along (or toward) the vertebral surface of the body

Question 9

Ventral

Answer 9

Along (toward) the belly surface of the body

Question 10

Caudad

Answer 10

Toward the tail

Question 11

Cephalad

Answer 11

Toward the head

Question 12

Proximal

Answer 12

Toward the trunk

Question 13

Distal

Answer 13

Away from trunk or point of attachment

Question 14

Visceral

Answer 14

Toward an internal organ

Question 15

Parietal

Answer 15

Toward the wall: away from internal structures

Question 16

Deep

Answer 16

Toward the inside of a part; away from the surface

Question 17

Superficial

Answer 17

Toward the surface of a part; away from the inside

Question 18

Medullary

Answer 18

Refers to an inner region or medulla

Question 19

Cortical

Answer 19

Refers to an outer region or cortex

Question 20

Left

Answer 20

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