Anatomical Terminology - Directional Terms

Question 1

Anterior

Answer 1

Toward the front (means in front of)

Question 2

Posterior

Answer 2

Toward the back (means behind of)

Question 3

Medial

Answer 3

Anything closer to the midline (spinal area / up& down)

Question 4

Lateral

Answer 4

Away from the midline of the body (ex. away from the spine / side to side)

Question 5

Same side as.

Stomach & spleen (left side)

Answer 5

Ipsilateral (Homolateral)

Question 6

Opposite side of. (Stomach is contralateral to liver)

Answer 6

Contralateral

Question 7

Intermediate

Answer 7

Between two things. (Heart is intermediate w/ the right & left lung)

Question 8

Toward the top (head)

Answer 8

Superior

Question 9

Inferior

Answer 9

Below (Abdomen is inferior to chest cavity)

Question 10

Proximal

Answer 10

Closer to the point of origin. (The elbow is proximal to the wrist)

Question 11

Distal

Answer 11

Further away from the point of origin. (The knee is distal to the thigh)

Question 12

Superficial (external)

Answer 12

Closer to the surface (Skin is superficial to muscles)

Question 13

Further from the surface (Muscles are deep to the skin)

Answer 13

Deep (internal)

Question 14

Ventral (anterior)

Answer 14

belly side

Question 15

Back Side (the heart is dorsal to the sternum)

Answer 15

Dorsal (posterior)

Question 16

Cephalic

Answer 16

Toward the head

Question 17

Tail end - toward the tail

Answer 17

Caudal