Anatomical Positions

Question 1

Anterior (ventral)

Answer 1

:Located at or toward the front of the body. For example, the lungs are located anterior to the spinal cord

Question 2

Central

Answer 2

Located in the center. For example, the heart is located centrally in the chest

Question 3

Cranial

Answer 3

Referring to the head. For example, the brain is situated in the cranial cavity

Question 4

Deep

Answer 4

Distance from the surface of the body. For example, the bones are deep in comparison to the skin

Question 5

Distal

Answer 5

The part farthest from the center of the body, or center of attachment. For example, the foot is distal to the knee.

Question 6

Inferior

Answer 6

Below another part, toward the lower aspect. For example, the feet are inferior to the knee

Question 7

Lateral

Answer 7

Located towards the side of the body, away from the midline. For example, the eyes are lateral to the nose.

Question 8

Medial

Answer 8

Located nearest to the midline of the body. For example, the nose is medial to the eyes

Question 9

Peripheral

Answer 9

Away from the center of the body. For example, the veins and arteries extend peripherally from the heart.

Question 10

Posterior (dorsal)

Answer 10

Located at or towards the back of the body. For example, the spinal cord is posterior to the lungs.

Question 11

Proximal

Answer 11

The part nearest the center of the body or the point of attachment. For example, the knee is proximal to the foot

Question 12

Superficial

Answer 12

Near the surface of the body. For example, the skin is superficial to the bones.

Question 13

Superior

Answer 13

Above another part, toward the head. For example, the head is superior to the chest.