Anatomy Basic Terms

Question 1

Dorsal

Answer 1

Relating to the back or posterior of a structure. As opposed to the ventral, or front, of the structure. Some of the dorsal surfaces of the body are the back, buttocks, calves, and the knuckle side of the hand

Question 2

Ventral

Answer 2

Pertaining to the front or anterior of any structure. The ventral surfaces of the body include the chest, abdomen, shins, palms, and soles, Ventral is as opposed to dorsal. From the Latin “venter” meaning belly

Question 3

Anterior

Answer 3

The front, as opposed to the posterior

Question 4

Posterior

Answer 4

The back, as opposed to anterior

Question 5

Superior

Answer 5

Above, as opposed to inferior

Question 6

Inferior

Answer 6

Below, as opposed to superior

Question 7

Medial

Answer 7

In the middle or inside, as opposed to later

Question 8

Lateral

Answer 8

Toward the left or right side of the body, as opposed to medial

Question 9

Superficial

Answer 9

On the surface or shallow, as opposed to deep

Question 10

Deep

Answer 10

Away from the exterior surface or further into the body, as opposed to superficial

Question 11

Proximal

Answer 11

Toward the beginning, as opposed to distal

Question 12

Distal

Answer 12

Further from the beginning, as opposed to proximal

Question 13

Supine

Answer 13

With the back or dorsal surface downward (lying face up), as opposed to prone

Question 14

Prone

Answer 14

With the front or ventral surface downward (lying face down), as opposed to supine

Question 15

Sagittal plane

Answer 15

A vertical plane passing through the standing body from front to back. The midsagittal, or median plane, splits the body into left and right halves

Question 16

Transverse plane

Answer 16

A horizontal plane passing through the standing body parallel to the ground

Question 17

Frontal plane

Answer 17

Refers to the anterior side of the body extending from a coronal cut (top of head)