language of anatomy

Question 1

describes the front or direction toward the front of the body

Answer 1

anterior (ventral)

Question 2

describes the back or direction toward the back of the body.

Answer 2

posterior (dorsal)

Question 3

describes a structure above or higher than another part of the body
proper, near or toward the head

Answer 3

superior (cranial)

Question 4

describes a structure below or lower than another part of the body
proper; near or toward the tail

Answer 4

inferior (caudal)

Question 5

describes the side or direction toward the sides of the body

Answer 5

lateral

ex. the shoulder is lateral to the neck

Question 6

describes the middle or direction toward the midline of the body.

Answer 6

medial

ex. the neck is medial to the shoulder

Question 7

describes a structure that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk
of the body

Answer 7

proximal

ex. the elbow is proximal to the wrist

Question 8

describes a structure that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Answer 8

distal

ex. the ankle is distal to the knee

Question 9

Answer 9