Positional and Directional Terminology

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

Standard frame of reference in which the body is standing up, face forward, arms at the sides, palms forward, and toes pointed forward

Question 2

Supine

Answer 2

Lying face up

Question 3

Prone

Answer 3

Lying face down

Question 4

Dorsal Recumbent

Answer 4

Lying facing upward with flexed knees, feet flat on floor

Question 5

Fowler Position

Answer 5

Sitting upright with back angled at 90 degrees

Question 6

Semi-Fowler’s Position

Answer 6

Sitting with back angled at 45 degrees

Question 7

Anterior

Answer 7

Toward the front of the body, also known as ventral

Question 8

Posterior

Answer 8

Toward the back of the body, also known as dorsal

Question 9

Superior

Answer 9

Above; toward the head

Question 10

Inferior

Answer 10

Below; toward the feet

Question 11

Medial

Answer 11

Closer to the midline of the body

Question 12

Lateral

Answer 12

Further from the midline of the body (toward the side)

Question 13

Superficial

Answer 13

Close to the surface of the body; more external

Question 14

Deep

Answer 14

Farther from the body’s surface; more internal

Question 15

Proximal

Answer 15

Closer to the body’s trunk

Question 16

Distal

Answer 16

Further from the body’s trunk

Question 17

Dextrad

Answer 17

Toward the right

Question 18

Sinistrad

Answer 18

Toward the left