Chapter 1 Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body. Above

Question 2

Inferior

Answer 2

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body. Below

Question 3

Ventral (anterior )

Answer 3

Towards the front of the body.

The nose is ventral or anterior to the ear

Question 4

Dorsal ( posterior)

Answer 4

Toward or at the back of the body; behind.

The ear is dorsal or posterior to the nose

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Closer to the middle of the body; on the inner side of

Nose and belly button is on the midline

But the shoulder is more medial than the hand.

The shoulder is more to the midline to the hand

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

Away from the midline of the body

The hand is lateral to the shoulder

The hand is further away from the midline than the shoulder

Question 7

Distal

Answer 7

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

The fingers are more distal than the elbow because they are further from the point of origin where the arm meets the body.

Question 8

Proximal

Answer 8

Closer to the point of attachment

Neck is more proximal than the ears.

Question 9

Superficial

Answer 9

More towards the surface of the body.

Integumentary system is the most superficial system

Question 10

Deep

Answer 10

Skeletal system is more deep or internal than the integumentary system.

The heart is more deep than the rib cage