DIRECTIONAL TERMS

Question 1

ANTERIOR

Answer 1

Nearer to or at the front of the body.

exp. The sternum (breastbone) is anterior to the heart.

Question 1

CONTRALATERAL

Answer 1

On the opposite side of the body from another source.

exp. The ascending and descending colons are contralateral.

Question 2

DISTAL

Answer 2

Farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk. Farther from the origin of a structure.

exp. The phalanges are distal to the carpals.

Question 2

DEEP

Answer 2

Away from the surface of the body.

exp. The ribs are deep to the skin of the chest and back.

Question 4

INFERIOR

Answer 4

Away from the head, or the lower part of a structure.

exp. The stomach is inferior to the lungs.

Question 5

INTERMEDIATE

Answer 5

Between two structures.

exp. The transverse colon is intermediate between the ascending and descending colons.

Question 5

IPSILATERAL

Answer 5

On the same side of the body as another source.

exp. The gallbladder and ascending colon are ipsilateral.

Question 7

LATERAL

Answer 7

Farther from the midline.

exp. The lungs are lateral to the heart.

Question 8

MEDIAL

Answer 8

Nearer to the midline.

exp. The ulna is medial to the radius.

Question 9

POSTERIOR

Answer 9

Nearer to or at the back of the body.

exp. The esophagus is posterior to the trachea (windpipe).

Question 10

PROXIMAL

Answer 10

Nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk. Nearer to the origin of a structure.

exp. The humerus is proximal to the radius.

Question 12

SUPERFICIAL

Answer 12

Toward or on the surface of the body.

exp. The ribs are superficial to the lungs.

(EXTERNAL)

Question 13

SUPERIOR

Answer 13

Toward the head, or the upper part of a structure.

exp. The heart is superior to the liver.