Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior (cephalic/cranial)

Answer 1

Towards the head or upper part of the structure.

Question 2

Inferior (caudal)

Answer 2

Away from the head or towards the lower part of the structure.

Question 3

Anterior (ventral)

Answer 3

Towards, or at the front of the body/structure.

Question 4

Posterior (dorsal)

Answer 4

Towards, or at the back of the body/structure.

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Closer to the midsagittal plane; or on the inner side.

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

Farther from the midsagittal plane; or on the outer side.

Question 7

Intermediate

Answer 7

Between medial and lateral structures.

Question 8

Proximal

Answer 8

Closer to the origin of a body part or a point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Question 9

Distal

Answer 9

Farther from the origin of a body part or a point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Question 10

Superficial

Answer 10

Towards or on the surface of the body.

Question 11

Deep

Answer 11

Away from the surface of the body (more internal).