Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

Towards head.

Example: The head is superior to the feet.

Question 2

Inferior

Answer 2

Towards feet.

Example: Feet are inferior to the head.

Question 3

Rostral

Answer 3

Towards the face or anterior surface of the brain.

Question 4

Caudal

Answer 4

Refers to the posterior part of the brain.

Question 5

Contralateral

Answer 5

On the opposite side.

Question 6

Ipsilateral

Answer 6

On the same side.

Question 7

Anterior/Ventral

Answer 7

Towards the front of the body.

Example: Sternum is anterior to the spine.

Question 8

Posterior/Dorsal

Answer 8

Towards the back of the body or behind.

Example: Heart is posterior to the sternum.

Question 9

Medial

Answer 9

Towards the midline of the body.

Example: Spine is medial to the kidneys.

Question 10

Lateral

Answer 10

Away from the midline outer side.

Example: Kidney is lateral to the spine.

Question 11

Proximal

Answer 11

Close to the trunk/torso.

Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.

Question 12

Distal

Answer 12

Away from the trunk/torso.

Example: The knee is distal to the thigh

Question 13

Superficial

Answer 13

Towards the surface of the skin.

Example: The skin is superficial to the muscles.

Question 14

Deep

Answer 14

Under the surface of the skin.

Example: The bones are deep to the muscle.

Question 15

Supine

Answer 15

PT is lying face up and torso up.

Question 16

Prone

Answer 16

PT is lying face down torso down.

Question 17

Axial

Answer 17

Includes the head, neck and trunk.

Question 18

Appendicular

Answer 18

All limbs: arms, hands, legs, feet.

Question 19

Sagital Plane

Answer 19

Divides the body into left and right parts equally.

Question 20

Transverse Plane

Answer 20

Divides the body Ito superior and inferior parts.

Question 21

Frontal or Coronal Plane

Answer 21

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.