Directional Terms

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

• Front facing
• Arms to side
• forearms slightly out
• palms forward

Question 2

Anterior (Ventral)

Answer 2

This means toward the front of the body.

Question 3

Posterior (Dorsal)

Answer 3

This means toward the back of the body. The vertebral column is located in the posterior portion of the body.

Question 4

Superior (Cranial)

Answer 4

This means upward or toward the head. The chest is superior to the hips.

Question 5

Inferior (Caudal)

Answer 5

The opposite of superior means downward or away from the head

Question 6

Medial

Answer 6

This means toward the vertical midline of the body

Question 7

Lateral

Answer 7

The opposite of medial, away from the midline of the body

Question 8

Proximal

Answer 8

Proximal is closer to the point of attachment

Question 9

Distal

Answer 9

Farther away from the point of attachment

Question 10

Superficial

Answer 10

Toward the surface of the body

Question 11

Deep

Answer 11

Away from the surface of the body

Question 12

Parietal

Answer 12

Toward the outer wall of a body cavity

Question 13

Visceral

Answer 13

Pertaining to the covering of an organ