Anatomical Terminology

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

means a part is above another part.

Question 2

Inferior

Answer 2

means a part is below a part.

Question 3

Anterior (ventral)

Answer 3

means toward the front

Question 4

Posterior (dorsal)

Answer 4

means towards the back.

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

refers to an imaginary midline line dividing the body into equal right and left halves. A part is medial if it is closer to midline than another part. (nose is medial to the eyes)

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

means towards the side, away from the midline. (ears are lateral to the eyes)

Question 7

Bilateral

Answer 7

refers to paired structures, one on each side of midline.(the lungs)

Question 8

Ipsilateral

Answer 8

Refers to structures on the same side. (right lung and right kidney)

Question 9

Contralateral

Answer 9

refers to structures on the opposite side.

Question 10

Proximal

Answer 10

describes a part closer to a point of attachment to the trunk than another body part.

Question 11

Distal

Answer 11

opposite of proximal. Particular body part is farther away from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Question 12

Superficial

Answer 12

near the surface (epidermis is the superficial layer of the skin)

Question 13

Deep

Answer 13

describes more internal body parts. (dermis is the deep layer of the skin)