Orientation and Direction

Question 1

Anterior/Posterior (and Ventral/Dorsal)

Answer 1

Anterior are the structures that are the most forward- the face, chest and abdomen. Posterior structures are those that are toward the back. For example the spine is posterior to the heart. (in front of/behind)

Question 2

Superior/Inferior

Answer 2

Refers to the placement of a structure along the long axis of the body. Superior structures always appear above other structures and inferior structures are always below other structures. For example, the nose is superior to the mouth, and the abdomen is inferior to the chest. (towards head/away from head)

Question 3

Medial/Lateral

Answer 3

The sternum is medial to the ribs; the ear is lateral to the nose. (toward the midline/away from the midline or medium plane)

Question 4

Proximal/Distal

Answer 4

(nearer the trunk or attached end/farther from the trunk or point of attachment) for example the fingers are distal to the elbow; the knee is proximal to the toes. These terms are mostly used to locate various areas of the body limbs, and can also be used to indicate regions (closer to or farther from the head) of internal tubular organs. (appendages; point of attachment. Close to (shoulder) attachment proximal. Further away (fingertips) distal)

Question 5

Superficial/Deep (external/internal)

Answer 5

(toward or at the body surface/away from the body surface) these terms locate body organs according to their relative closeness to the body surface. For example, the skin is superficial to the skeletal muscles, and the lungs are deep to the rib cage.