Anatomical Orientation and Directional terms

Question 1

Cranial (superior)

Answer 1

Towards the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above

Question 2

Caudal (inferior)

Answer 2

Towards the tail or lower part of the body; below

Question 3

Ventral (anterior)

Answer 3

Towards or at the front of the body; in front of

Question 4

Dorsal (posterior)

Answer 4

Towards or at the back of the body; behind

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Towards or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

Closer to the origin of the body part or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

Farther from the origin of the body part or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Question 9

Superficial or external

Answer 9

Towards or at the body surface

Question 10

Deep or internal

Answer 10

Away from the body surface; more internal

Question 11

Midline/Mid-sagittal

Answer 11

Vertical plane that divides the body into two bilaterally symmetrical planes (left and right)

Question 12

Sagittal

Answer 12

Vertical planes that separate the body into left and right sections in a non-symmetrical manner

Question 13

Transverse

Answer 13

A vertical plane that divides the body into a cranial and caudal section. It may also be used to separate a limb into proximal and distal section

Question 14

Frontal

Answer 14

Horizontal plane that divides the body into ventral and dorsal (front and back) section