Comparative Terms

Question 1

What does the term Superior mean? +example

Answer 1

Nearer to head

Eg. The heart is superior to the stomach

Question 2

What does inferior mean? +example

Answer 2

Nearer to feet

Eg. Stomach is inferior to the heart

Question 3

What is the meaning of anterior? + example?

Answer 3

Nearer to front

Eg. Breastbone (sternum) is anterior to heart

Question 4

What is the meaning of the term posterior? +example

Answer 4

Nearer to back

Eg. Brain is posterior to nose

Question 5

What is the meaning of the term medial? +example

Answer 5

Nearer to the median plane

Eg. Fifth digit (little finger) is on the medial side of the hand.

Question 6

What is the meaning of the term lateral? +example

Answer 6

Farther from the median plane

Eg. First digit (thumb) is on the lateral side of the hand

Question 7

What is the meaning of the term proximal? +example

Answer 7

Nearer to the trunk or point of origin (e.g of a limb)

Eg. Elbow is proximal to the wrist and the proximal part of the artery is the beginning

Question 8

What is the meaning of the term distal? +example

Answer 8

Farther from the trunk or point of origin

Eg. Wrist is distal to elbow and distal part of the lower limb is the foot

Question 9

What is the meaning of the term superficial?

Answer 9

Nearer to or on the surface

Eg. Muscle of the arm are superficial to its bone

Question 10

What is the meaning of the term deep?

Answer 10

Farther from surface

Eg. Humerus is deep to the arm muscles