18 Questions
What is the direction of the palms in anatomical position?
Facing forward
Which directional term means towards the front?
Anterior
What is the direction of the feet in anatomical position?
Forward, slightly apart
Which directional term means away from the midline?
Lateral
What is the direction of the nose in relation to the mouth?
Superior to the mouth
Which directional term means towards the point of origin?
Proximal
What is the direction of the spine in relation to the heart?
Posterior to the heart
Which directional term means between two points?
Intermediate
What is the direction of the hand in relation to the elbow?
Distal to the elbow
If a structure is posterior to another, what direction is it in relation to the other structure?
Towards the back
What term is used to describe a structure that is closer to the point of origin?
Proximal
A structure that is towards the surface of the body is described as?
Superficial
If a structure is intermediate to two points, what position is it in?
Between the two points
Which direction is the heart in relation to the spine?
Anterior
What term is used to describe a structure that is towards the bottom or below?
Inferior
If a structure is lateral to another, what direction is it in relation to the other structure?
Away from the midline
What term is used to describe a structure that is towards the top or above?
Superior
If a structure is medial to another, what direction is it in relation to the other structure?
Towards the midline
Study Notes
Anatomical Position
- Individual stands erect, facing forward, with arms straight down at sides, slightly away from body, and palms facing forward with thumbs pointing outwards.
- Feet are straight forward, slightly apart.
Directional Terms
Anterior and Posterior
- Anterior (ventral): towards the front.
- Example: Heart is anterior to the spine.
- Posterior (dorsal): towards the back.
- Example: Spine is posterior to the heart.
Superior and Inferior
- Superior: towards the top or above.
- Example: Nose is superior to the mouth.
- Inferior: towards the bottom or below.
- Example: Chin is inferior to the mouth.
Medial and Lateral
- Medial: towards the midline.
- Example: Chest is medial to the arms.
- Lateral: away from the midline.
- Example: Arms are lateral to the chest.
Intermediate
- Intermediate: between two points.
- Example: Elbow is intermediate to the forearm and upper arm.
Proximal and Distal
- Proximal: closer towards the point of origin.
- Example: Shoulder is proximal to the elbow.
- Distal: further away from the point of origin.
- Example: Hand is distal to the elbow.
Superficial
- Superficial: towards the surface.
Anatomical Position
- Individual stands erect, facing forward, with arms straight down at sides, slightly away from body, and palms facing forward with thumbs pointing outwards.
- Feet are straight forward, slightly apart.
Directional Terms
Anterior and Posterior
- Anterior (ventral): towards the front.
- Example: Heart is anterior to the spine.
- Posterior (dorsal): towards the back.
- Example: Spine is posterior to the heart.
Superior and Inferior
- Superior: towards the top or above.
- Example: Nose is superior to the mouth.
- Inferior: towards the bottom or below.
- Example: Chin is inferior to the mouth.
Medial and Lateral
- Medial: towards the midline.
- Example: Chest is medial to the arms.
- Lateral: away from the midline.
- Example: Arms are lateral to the chest.
Intermediate
- Intermediate: between two points.
- Example: Elbow is intermediate to the forearm and upper arm.
Proximal and Distal
- Proximal: closer towards the point of origin.
- Example: Shoulder is proximal to the elbow.
- Distal: further away from the point of origin.
- Example: Hand is distal to the elbow.
Superficial
- Superficial: towards the surface.
Understand the directional terms used in anatomy to describe the location of body parts and their relationships. Learn the different terms and their meanings in this quiz.
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