Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

above, toward the top

For example, the heart is superior to the stomach.

Question 2

Medial

Answer 2

toward the middle/midline

Also known as Cranial; toward the head.

Question 3

Lateral

Answer 3

away from midline

Question 4

Anterior

Answer 4

toward front side

Also known as Ventral; toward belly side.

Question 5

Posterior

Answer 5

toward back side

Also known as Dorsal; toward vertebral side.

Question 6

Proximal

Answer 6

nearer to the trunk (a limb) or the point of origin (an organ)

Question 7

Inferior

Answer 7

below, toward the bottom

Also known as Caudal; toward the tail.

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

further from the trunk (a limb) or the point of origin (an organ)

Question 9

Superficial

Answer 9

towards the surface of the body

For example, the muscles are deep to the skin.

Question 10

Deep

Answer 10

further away from the surface

Question 11

Superior

Answer 11

above, toward the top

For example, the heart is superior to the stomach.

Question 12

Medial

Answer 12

toward the middle/midline

Also known as Cranial; toward the head.

Question 13

Lateral

Answer 13

away from midline

Question 14

Anterior

Answer 14

toward front side

Also known as Ventral; toward belly side.

Question 15

Posterior

Answer 15

toward back side

Also known as Dorsal; toward vertebral side.

Question 16

Proximal

Answer 16

nearer to the trunk (a limb) or the point of origin (an organ)

Question 17

Inferior

Answer 17

below, toward the bottom

Also known as Caudal; toward the tail.

Question 18

Distal

Answer 18

further from the trunk (a limb) or the point of origin (an organ)

Question 19

Superficial

Answer 19

towards the surface of the body

For example, the muscles are deep to the skin.

Question 20

Deep

Answer 20

further away from the surface