Table 5-7: Directional Terms

Question 1

The front surface of the body

Answer 1

Anterior (ventral)

Front

Question 2

The back surface of the body

Answer 2

Posterior(dorsal)

Back

Question 3

The patients right

Answer 3

Right

Question 4

The patients left

Answer 4

Left

Question 5

Closest to the head

Answer 5

Superior (top)

Question 6

Closest to the feet

Answer 6

Inferior(bottom)

Question 7

Closest to the point of attachment

Answer 7

Proximal (closest)

Question 8

Farthest from the point of attachment

Answer 8

Distal (farthest)

Question 9

Closest to the midline

Answer 9

Medial (middle)

Question 10

Farthest from the midline

Answer 10

Lateral (side)

Question 11

Closest to the surface of the skin

Answer 11

Superficial (in)

Question 12

Furthest from the surface of the skin

Answer 12

Deep (out)

Question 13

The forward facing part of the hand in the anatomic position

Answer 13

Palmer

Question 14

The bottom surface of the foot

Answer 14

Plantar

Question 15

The tip of a structure

Answer 15

Apex

Question 16

Bending of a joint

Answer 16

Flexion

Question 17

Straightening of a joint

Answer 17

Extension

Question 18

Motion toward the midline

Answer 18

Adduction

Question 19

Motion away from the midline

Answer 19

Abduction

Question 20

A body part that appears on both sides

Answer 20

Bilateral

Question 21

Something that appears on only one side of the body

Answer 21

Unilateral

Question 22

The way to describe the sections of the abdominal cavity

Answer 22

Quadrants