Medical Terminology: Directional Terms

Question 1

Anatomic position

Answer 1

is a person standing, facing forward, with palms forward (a universal reference when discussing human anatomy)

Question 2

A plane

Answer 2

a flat surface formed when slicing through a solid object

Question 3

Midline

Answer 3

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

Question 4

medial

Answer 4

a position closer to the midline (toward the midline of the body)

Question 5

lateral

Answer 5

a position farther away from the midline (to the side, away from the midline of the body)

Question 6

bilateral

Answer 6

both sides

Question 7

unilateral

Answer 7

refers to one side.

Question 8

midaxillary line

Answer 8

a line drawn vertically from the middle of the armpit to the ankle

Question 9

anterior

Answer 9

the front of the body or body part

Question 10

posterior

Answer 10

the back half of the body

Question 11

ventral

Answer 11

synonym for anterior

Question 12

dorsal

Answer 12

synonym for posterior

Question 13

Superior

Answer 13

above

Question 14

inferior

Answer 14

below

Question 15

Proximal

Answer 15

closer to the torso

Question 16

Distal

Answer 16

farther away from the torso

Question 17

palmar

Answer 17

the palm of the hand

Question 18

plantar

Answer 18

the sole of the foot

Question 19

midclavicular line

Answer 19

the line through the center of each clavicle.

Question 20

abdominal quadrants

Answer 20

the right upper quadrant, the left upper quadrant, the right lower quadrant, and the left lower quadrant (Figure 5-5). These are often abbreviated as, respectively, RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, and LLQ.

Question 21

supine

Answer 21

lying on the back

Question 22

prone

Answer 22

lying facedown

Question 23

recovery position

Answer 23

lying on the side (lateral recumbent)

Question 24

Fowler position

Answer 24

sitting position