Orientation and Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior/Inferior

Answer 1

Superior: Toward an upper part/end of the body; above. This means toward the head when in the anatomical position.

Inferior: Toward a lower part/end of the body; below. This means toward the feet when in the anatomical position.

Question 2

Anterior/Posterior
(Ventral/Dorsal)

Answer 2

Anterior/Ventral: Toward the front end of the body.

Posterior/Dorsal: Toward the back end of the body.

Question 3

Medial/Lateral

Answer 3

Medial: Toward or at the midline of the body.

Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.

Question 4

Proximal/Distal

Answer 4

Proximal: Closer to the origin of the body or the point of attachment of a limb.

Distal: Farther from the origin of the body or the point of attachment of a limb.

Question 5

Superficial/Deep
(External/Internal)

Answer 5

Superficial/External: Toward or at the body’s surface.

Deep/Internal: Away from the body’s surface.

Question 6

Ipsilateral/Contralateral

Answer 6

Ipsilateral: On the same side.

Contralateral: On the opposite side.

Question 7

Frontal/Coronal Plane

Answer 7

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Question 8

Sagittal Plane (Midsagittal, Parasagittal)

Answer 8

Divides the body into right and left sides. Midsagittal means this divide is right down the center, and Parasagittal means that this divide is off to one side.

Question 9

Transverse Plane

Answer 9

Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Question 10

Prone

Answer 10

Lying face down.

Question 11

Supine

Answer 11

Lying face up.