Anatomical Directional Terms

Questions and Answers

What does 'anterior' refer to in anatomy?

At or near the back of the body (back view)

At or near the front of the body (front view) (correct)

At or near the top of the body (superior view)

At or near the bottom of the body (inferior view)

What does a midline refer to in anatomical terms?

An imaginary line that divides the body equally into left and right halves (correct)

A horizontal line across the body

A line that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts

A line that indicates the circumference of the body

What does the term 'posterior' refer to in anatomy?

The front of the body

The side of the body

The back of the body (correct)

The lower part of the body

Which position is referred to as 'lateral' when viewed from the side?

Farther from midline Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the position that toward the head or upper part of a structure, as viewed from a bird's-eye view looking down?

Superior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the term 'medial' in anatomical terms?

Nearer to the midline Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'inferior' in anatomy?

Farther from the head; toward the lower part of the body Signup and view all the answers

What does 'distal' refer to in anatomical terms?

Farther from the origination of a structure Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a position away from the surface of the body?

Deep Signup and view all the answers

Proximal means what in relation to a structure?

Nearer to the origination of a structure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anatomical Terms

Anterior: Refers to the front side of the body; structures toward the front are classified as anterior.
Midline: The central line that divides the body into left and right halves; point of reference for bilateral symmetry.
Posterior: Refers to the back side of the body; structures located toward the rear are classified as posterior.
Lateral: Refers to structures situated away from the midline; viewed from the side, lateral positions are to the sides of the midline.
Superior: Indicates a position toward the head or upper part of a structure; viewed from above, superior elements are positioned higher.
Medial: Pertains to structures located closer to the midline; the term describes a position closer to the center of the body than others.
Inferior: Describes a position away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure; viewed from above, inferior elements are positioned lower.
Distal: Refers to structures that are farther away from the point of attachment or trunk of the body; more distant from the center.
Deep: Describes positions that are farther from the surface of the body; internal structures are considered deep.
Proximal: Indicates a position closer to the point of attachment or trunk of the body; more central than distal.

Description

Radiology is a branch of medicine which uses x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized axial tomography (CAT), and ultrasounds to diagnose and treat disease. Being familiar with the terminology used in the positioning of a patient as the radiological procedure is performed, helps the coder in code assignment.