Anatomical Position Practice Test: Directions and Positions Quiz

Give an example of a body part that is superior to the abdomen.

What is the term for a body part that is closer to the origin of the body than the wrist?

If the arms are lateral to the chest, what term describes the position of the arms?

What does it mean if a structure is described as being deep to the skin?

In which direction is a body part if it is described as posterior to the breastbone?

Give an example of a body part that is distal to the thigh.

What term describes a body part that is toward the front of the body?

Give an example of a body part that is closer to the origin of the body than the wrist.

If a structure is away from the surface, what term describes its position?

What term describes a body part that is between medial and lateral structures?

Give an example of a body part that is lower or below another body part.

If a body part is described as being medial to the arm, what term describes its position?

Directional Terms

Superior (cranial) refers to a location toward the head or upper part of the body.
Inferior (caudal) refers to a location away from the head or lower part of the body.
Example: The head is superior to the abdomen, while the navel is inferior to the chin.

Anterior and Posterior

Anterior (ventral) refers to a location toward the front of the body.
Posterior (dorsal) refers to a location toward the back of the body.
Example: The breastbone is anterior to the spine, while the heart is posterior to the breastbone.

Medial and Lateral

Medial refers to a location toward the middle or midline of the body.
Lateral refers to a location away from the midline of the body.
Example: The heart is medial to the arm, while the arms are lateral to the chest.
Intermediate refers to a location between medial and lateral structures.
Example: The collarbone is intermediate between the breastbone and shoulder.

Proximal and Distal

Proximal refers to a location closer to the origin of the body.
Distal refers to a location farther from the origin of the body.
Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist, while the knee is distal to the thigh.

Superficial and Deep

Superficial (external) refers to a location toward the surface of the body.
Deep (internal) refers to a location away from the surface of the body.
Example: The skin is superficial to the skeletal muscles, while the lungs are deep to the skin.

Test your knowledge on anatomical directions and positions such as superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior. Practice identifying the location of body parts in relation to each other.