Anatomical Terminology

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

Toward the head or the upper part of a structure (also cephalic or cranial).

Question 2

Inferior

Answer 2

Towards the feet or the lower part of a structure (caudal).

Question 3

Anterior (Ventral)

Answer 3

Towards the front

Question 4

Posterior (Dorsal)

Answer 4

Towards the back

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Nearer to the midline of the body or structure).

Question 6

Midline

Answer 6

An imaginary vertical line that divides the body into equal left and right sides.

Question 7

Lateral

Answer 7

Farther from the midline of the body or a structure.

Question 8

Ipsilateral

Answer 8

On the same side of the body as another structure

Question 9

Contralateral

Answer 9

On the opposite side of the body from another structure

Question 10

Intermediate

Answer 10

Between two structures

Question 11

Superficial

Answer 11

Near the surface

Question 12

Deep

Answer 12

Away from the surface

Question 13

Central

Answer 13

At the center of the body or an organ

Question 14

Peripheral

Answer 14

Away from the center of the body or an organ (can also mead near the surface, e.g. peripheral blood vessels or nerves).

Question 15

Proximal

Answer 15

Describes a limb bone that is closer to the point of attachment to the trunk.

Question 16

Distal

Answer 16

Describes a limb bone that is farther from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Question 17

Anatomical position

Answer 17

The body is standing erect, face is forward, lower limbs and upper limbs are at the sides, and palms are facing forward.