Orientation and Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior (cranial)

Answer 1

toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above

Question 2

Inferior (caudal)

Answer 2

away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below

Question 3

Anterior (ventral)

Answer 3

towards or at the front of the body; in front of

Question 4

Posterior (dorsal)

Answer 4

toward or at the back of the body; behind

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of

Question 6

lateral

Answer 6

away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of

Question 7

proximal

Answer 7

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

Question 8

distal

Answer 8

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

Question 9

superficial (external)

Answer 9

toward or at the body surface

Question 10

Deep (internal)

Answer 10

away from the body surface; more internal

Question 11

ipsilateral

Answer 11

on the same side

Question 12

contralateral

Answer 12

on opposite side