Positional Terms

Question 1

Cranial

Answer 1

Towards the head

Question 2

Caudial

Answer 2

Towards the tail

Question 3

Dorsal

Answer 3

Towards the back or top

Question 4

Ventral

Answer 4

Towards the underside

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Towards the midline

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

Away from the midline or towards the side

Question 7

Distal

Answer 7

Away from the point of origin or the trunk of the body (used for extremities)

Question 8

Proximal

Answer 8

Toward the point of origin or the trunk of the body (used for extremities)

Question 9

Rostral

Answer 9

On the head but towards the muzzle

Question 10

Palmar

Answer 10

‘palm’ or ventral surface of the hindfoot (top of foot=dorsal)

Question 11

Superficial

Answer 11

Relatively near the surface of the body or the surface of a solid organ

Question 12

Deep

Answer 12

Relatively near the center of the body or solid organ

Question 13

External or Outer

Answer 13

Away from the center of a hollow organ

Question 14

Internal or Inner

Answer 14

Close to or in the center of a hollow organ

Question 15

Protraction

Answer 15

Limb is forwards

Question 16

Retraction

Answer 16

Limb is backward

Question 17

Extension

Answer 17

Angle increased

Question 18

Flexion

Answer 18

Angle decreased

Question 19

Anatomical Position

Answer 19

Standing upright on all 4 feet (the most natural position for an organism)

Question 20

Recumbent

Answer 20

Lying down

Question 21

Lateral Recumbency

Answer 21

Lying down on a side

Question 22

Ventral Recumbency

Answer 22

Lying on abdomen

Question 23

Dorsal Recumbency

Answer 23

Lying on back