Directional / location terms

Question 1

Midline

Answer 1

The midline of the body is created by drawing an imaginary line down the center of the body, passing between the eyes and extending down through the umbilicus

Question 2

anatomic position

Answer 2

The Anatomic position is a person standing, facing forward, with palms forward

Question 3

plane

Answer 3

A plane is a flat surface, the kind that would be formed if you sliced straight through a department store dummy or an imaginary human body.

Question 4

medial

Answer 4

The term medial refers to a position closer to the midline (with regard to anatomic position).

Question 5

lateral

Answer 5

The term lateral refers to a position farther away from the midline.

Question 6

bilateral

Answer 6

The term bilateral refers to “both sides” of anything.

Question 7

unilateral

Answer 7

The term unilateral refers to one side.

Question 8

The midaxillary line

Answer 8

The midaxillary line extends vertically from the middle of the armpit to the ankle. (The anatomic term for the armpit is axilla, so midaxillary means “middle of the armpit.”)

Question 9

anterior

Answer 9

The term for the front is anterior

Question 10

posterior

Answer 10

The term for the back is posterior

Question 11

ventral

Answer 11

A synonym for anterior is ventral (referring to the front of the body)

Question 12

dorsal

Answer 12

A synonym for posterior is dorsal (referring to the back of the body or back of the hand or foot)

Question 13

superior

Answer 13

Superior means above

Question 14

inferior

Answer 14

inferior means below

Question 15

Proximal

Answer 15

Proximal means closer to the torso (the trunk of the body)

Question 16

Distal

Answer 16

Distal means farther away from the torso (the trunk of the body)

Question 17

palmar

Answer 17

referring to the palm of the hand

Question 18

plantar

Answer 18

plantar (referring to the sole of the foot).