Directional Terms

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

Standing,feet parallel, palms facing forward.

Question 2

Anterior (Ventral)

Answer 2

Toward the front of the body (Belly side)

Question 3

Posterior (Dorsal)

Answer 3

Toward the back of the body (Back side)

Question 4

Superior (Cephalic)

Answer 4

Toward the head/upper part of the body

Question 5

Inferior (Caudal)

Answer 5

Away from the head end, toward the lower part of the body.

Question 6

Distal

Answer 6

Usually arm and leg words
Ex.) The knee if distal to the thigh.

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

Usually arm and leg words
Ex.) The elbow is proximal to the rist

Question 8

Medial

Answer 8

Refers to the mid-line of the body
Ex.) The heart is medial to the arm

Question 9

Lateral

Answer 9

Refers to the mid-line of the body
Ex.) The arms are lateral to the chest

Question 10

Superficial

Answer 10

Towards or at the body surface

Question 11

Deep

Answer 11

Away from the surface–more internal