Directional Terms

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

The standard way the body is positioned when using anatomical terminology (standing, with feet slightly apart, arms to the side, and the head, eyes, and palms of the hands facing forward).

Question 2

Sagittal Plane

Answer 2

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right halves.

Question 3

Coronal Plane

Answer 3

A vertical plane that divides the body into front and back halves.

Question 4

Axis

Answer 4

Invisible line that runs vertically through the center of the axial regional.

Question 5

Anterior

Answer 5

Toward the front of the body, or in front of something else.

Question 6

Posterior

Answer 6

Toward the back of the body, or in back of something else.

Question 7

Lateral

Answer 7

Describes something that is away from the midline of the body.

Question 8

Medial

Answer 8

Refers to something that is toward the midline of the body.

Question 9

Distal

Answer 9

A point that is farther away from a point of reference (typically the point of origin of a limb).

Question 10

Proximal

Answer 10

A point that is closer to a point of reference (typically the point of origin of a limb).

Question 11

Superior

Answer 11

A body structure that is located above another structure.

Question 12

Inferior

Answer 12

A body structure that is located below another structure.