Directional Terms

Question 1

Midline

Answer 1

An imaginary line drawn down the center of the body, dividing it into right and left halves.

Question 2

Mid-clavicular

mid-clah-VIK-yuh-ler

Answer 2

The line through the center of each clavicle.

Question 3

Proximal

Answer 3

Closer to the torso

Question 4

Distal

Answer 4

Farther away from the torso.

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Toward the midline of the body.

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

To the side, away from the midline of the body.

Question 7

Right

Answer 7

Patient’s right side.

Question 8

Left

Answer 8

Patient’s left side.

Question 9

Dorsal

Answer 9

Referring to the back of the body or the back of the hand or foot. A synonym for posterior.

Question 10

Posterior

Answer 10

The back of the body or body part. A synonym for dorsal.

Question 11

Anterior

Answer 11

The front of the body or body part. A synonym for ventral.

Question 12

Superior

Answer 12

Toward the head (e.g., the chest is superior to the abdomen)

Question 13

Mid-axillary

mid-AX-uh-lair-e

Answer 13

A line drawn vertically from the middle of the armpit to the ankle.

Question 14

Inferior

Answer 14

Away from the head, usually compared with another structure that is closer to the head (e.g., the lips are inferior to the nose).

Question 15

Bilateral

Answer 15

On both sides.

Question 16

Torso

Answer 16

The trunk of the body, or the body w/o the head and the extremities.

Question 17

Unilateral

Answer 17

Limited to one side.

Question 18

Palmar

Answer 18

Referring to the palm of the hand.

Question 19

Plantar

Answer 19

Referring to the sole of the foot.