Anatomical Directions and Planes

Question 1

Left

Answer 1

To the left of the body being studied

Question 2

Right

Answer 2

To the right of the body being studied

Question 3

Lateral

Answer 3

Toward the side; away from the midsaggital plane

Question 4

Medial

Answer 4

Toward the midsaggital plane; away from the side

Question 5

Anterior

Answer 5

Toward the front of the body

Question 6

Posterior

Answer 6

Toward the back (rear)

Question 7

Superior

Answer 7

Toward the top of the body

Question 8

Inferior

Answer 8

Toward the bottom of the body

Question 9

Dorsal

Answer 9

Along (or toward) the vertebral surface of the body

Question 10

Ventral

Answer 10

Along (toward) the belly surface of the body

Question 11

Caudad (caudal)

Answer 11

Toward the tail

Question 12

Cephalad

Answer 12

Toward the head

Question 13

Proximal

Answer 13

Toward the trunk

Question 14

Distal

Answer 14

Away 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 structures

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

Question 20

Cortical

Answer 20

Refers to an outer region or cortex

Question 21

Rostral

Answer 21

Toward the forehead nose

Question 22

Ipsilateral

Answer 22

On the same side of the body

Question 23

Contralateral

Answer 23

On the opposite sides of the body

Question 24

Supine

Answer 24

Lying face upwards

Question 25

Propine

Answer 25

Lying face downwards

Question 26

Gross anatomy

Answer 26

Study of anatomic features visible to the naked eye

Question 27

Cytology

Answer 27

Study that analyzes the internal structure of individual cells

Question 28

Systematic anatomy

Answer 28

Consideration of all superficial and internal structures in a specific body areas

Question 29

Microscopy

Answer 29

Study of any structure that can’t be seen without magnification

Question 30

Sagittal plane

Answer 30

Plane passing vertically through the body, dividing into left and right

Question 31

Mid-sagittal plane

Answer 31

Divides body into EQUAL left and right sides

Question 32

Frontal (coronal) plane

Answer 32

Plane passing vertically through the body separating into front and back portions of the body

Question 33

Transversal (horizontal) plane

Answer 33

Passes across the body horizontally dividing into top and bottom positions