Anatomical Terminology - Directional Terms

Question 1

Anterior or ventral

Answer 1

Describes the front or the direction toward the font
ex. the toes are anterior to the foot

Question 2

Posterior or dorsal

Answer 2

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body
ex. the popliteus is posterior to the patella

Question 3

Superior or cranial

Answer 3

Describes the position above or higher than another part of the body
ex. the orbits are superior to the oris

Question 4

Inferior or caudal

Answer 4

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body
ex. the pelvis is inferior to the abdomen

Question 5

Lateral

Answer 5

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body
ex. the thumb (pollex) is lateral to the digits

Question 6

Medial

Answer 6

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body
ex. the hallux is the medial toe

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment to the trunk or the body
ex. the brachium is proximal to the antebrachium

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body
ex. the crus is distal to the femur

Question 9

Superficial

Answer 9

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body
The skin is superficial to the bones

Question 10

Deep

Answer 10

Describes a position father from the surface of the body
ex. brain is deep to the skull