Orientation and Directional Terms

Question 1

Superior (cranial or cephalad)

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

Ventral (anterior)

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Dorsal (posterior)

Answer 4

Toward or at the backside 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 outside of

Question 7

Intermediate

Answer 7

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Question 8

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

Distal

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Superficial (external)

Answer 10

Toward or at the body surface

Question 11

Deep (internal)

Answer 11

Away from the body surface; more internal

Question 12

Anatomical Position

Answer 12

always assume the body is in this standard position; body is erect with feet parallel and the arms hanging at the sides with the palms facing forward