Terminology for Describing Body Orientation and Direction

Question 1

right

Answer 1

right side of individual being described (not observers right)

Question 2

left

Answer 2

left side of individual being described (not observers left)

Question 3

anterior

Answer 3

position of a structure that is more forward or IN FRONT of another structure

Question 4

posterior

Answer 4

position of a structure that is more backside or BEHIND another structure

Question 5

ventral

Answer 5

BELLY SIDE, thus synonymous with anterior in humans

Question 6

dorsal

Answer 6

BACKSIDE, thus synonymous with posterior in humans

Question 7

superior

Answer 7

position of a structure that is HIGHER or ABOVE another structure

Question 8

inferior

Answer 8

position of a structure that is LOWER or BELOW another structure

Question 9

medial

Answer 9

position of a structure that is CLOSER TO THE MIDLINE (median plane) of the body

Question 10

lateral

Answer 10

position of a structure that is FARTHER FROM THE MIDLINE (median plane) of the body

Question 11

proximal

Answer 11

position of a structure that is CLOSER to the ATTACHMENT POINT OF A LIMB (or to a point of reference)

Question 12

distal

Answer 12

position of a structure that is FARTHER from the ATTACHMENT POINT OF LIMB (or to a point of reference)

Question 13

superficial

Answer 13

external

Question 14

deep

Answer 14

internal

Question 15

axial

Answer 15

head, neck, and much of the trunk (torso)

Question 16

appendicular

Answer 16

all four limbs and their attachments to the axis (including areas and structures of the
shoulder and hip)