Orientation and Directional Terms

Question 1

What does ‘superior’ refer to in anatomical terms?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is the meaning of ‘inferior’ in anatomy?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Define ‘anterior’ in anatomical context.

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What does ‘posterior’ signify in anatomy?

Answer 4

Toward or at the backside of the body; behind

Question 5

What is meant by ‘medial’?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What does ‘lateral’ indicate?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What does ‘intermediate’ refer to?

Answer 7

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Question 8

Define ‘proximal’.

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What does ‘distal’ mean in anatomical terms?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What is the meaning of ‘superficial’?

Answer 10

Toward or at the body surface

Question 11

Define ‘deep’ in anatomical language.

Answer 11

Away from the body surface; more internal