Positional Terms

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

A reference posture used in anatomical description in which the subject stands erect with feet parallel and arms adducted and supinated, with palms facing forward

Question 2

Midline

Answer 2

The median plane of the body

Question 3

Anterior Axillary Line

Answer 3

Crease of the axilla (underarm)

Question 4

Midaxillary line

Answer 4

A perpendicular line drawn downward from the apex of the axilla

Question 5

Anterior

Answer 5

Placed before or in front

Question 6

Posterior

Answer 6

Located behind a part or toward the rear of a structure

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

Situated nearest to point of attachment or origin

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

Situated farthest from point of attachment or origin

Question 9

Medial

Answer 9

At, in, near, or being the center; dividing a person into right and left halves

Question 10

Lateral

Answer 10

Situated or extending away from the medial plane of the body

Question 11

Ipsilateral

Answer 11

On, or relating to, the same side of the body

Question 12

Contralateral

Answer 12

On, or relating to, the opposite side of the body

Question 13

Superficial

Answer 13

Shallow proximity in relation to surface

Question 14

Deep

Answer 14

Extending inward in relation to a surface layer