Relative Positions

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

That a part is above another part or is closer to the head. EX: the head is superior to the chest.

Question 2

Inferior

Answer 2

That a part is located below another part or is closer to the feet.
EX: The chest is inferior to the head.

Question 3

Anterior or ventral

Answer 3

Towards the front surface (the belly surface.) The heart is anterior to the spinal cord.

Question 4

Medial

Answer 4

Towards the midline of the body.

EX: The nose is medial to the ears.

Question 5

Lateral

Answer 5

Away from the midline of the body.

EX: The ears are lateral to the nose.

Question 6

Proximal

Answer 6

Position in a limb that is near to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.
EX: The elbow is described as proximal to the wrist.

Question 7

Distal

Answer 7

A position in a limb that is further from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.
EX: The wrist is distal to the elbow.

Question 8

Superficial

Answer 8

That a part is located on or near the surface of the body. EX: The skin is superficial to the muscles. 

Question 9

Deep

Answer 9

The body part is away from the surface of the body. The bones or deep to the skin. 

Question 10

Central

Answer 10

Located in the center.

EX: Heart is located centrally. The brain and spinal cord are called the central nervous system. 

Question 11

Peripheral

Answer 11

Away from the center.
EX: The blood vessels are located peripherally (away from the center and extending toward the limbs.) The nerves are called the peripheral nervous system.