Anatomical Terms Referring to Directions

Question 1

Dorsal

Answer 1

Toward the back, away from the ventral (stomach) side.

Question 2

Ventral

Answer 2

Toward the stomach, away from the dorsal (back) side.

Question 3

Anterior

Answer 3

Toward the front end

Question 4

Posterior

Answer 4

Toward the rear end (at the back)

Question 5

Superior

Answer 5

Above another part

Question 6

Inferior

Answer 6

Below another part

Question 7

Lateral

Answer 7

Toward the side, away from the midline

Question 8

Medial

Answer 8

Toward the midline, away from the side

Question 9

Proximal

Answer 9

Located close (approximate) to the point of origin or attachment

Question 10

Distal

Answer 10

Located more distant from the point of origin or attachment

Question 11

Ipsilateral

Answer 11

On the same side of the body (eg, two parts on the left or two on the right)

Question 12

contralateral

Answer 12

On the opposite side of the body (one on the left and one on the right)

Question 13

Coronal plane

Answer 13

A plane that shows brain structures as seen from the front (or frontal plane)

Question 14

Sagittal plane

Answer 14

A plane that shows brain structures as seen from the side

Question 15

Horizontal plane

Answer 15

A plane that shows brain structures as seen from above (or transverse plane)