Directional Terms Quizzes
Description and Relevance
Table of Contents ►
Background
Anatomical directional terms are a standardized vocabulary that allows professionals and students to precisely describe the location of body structures. These terms replace everyday words such as “up,” “down,” “front,” and “back,” which can change depending on whether a person is standing, sitting, or lying down.
Description
These terms are based on the body being in the anatomical position: standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and feet directed forward. Directional terms are relative, meaning they describe where one structure is located relative to another.
Relevance
Using anatomical directional terms is a fundamental first step in the study of anatomy. They allow you to build a GPS-like spatial map of body structures, interpret diagrams, follow laboratory instructions, describe organ locations, and communicate clearly.
The Terms and Their Meanings
Directional terms are commonly organized into pairs of opposites: anterior/posterior, superior/inferior, medial/lateral, proximal/distal, and superficial/deep.
Toward the front of the body. The sternum is anterior to the heart.
Toward the back of the body. The vertebral column is posterior to the chest.
Toward the head or upper part of the body. The heart is superior to the stomach.
Toward the feet or lower part of the body. The stomach is inferior to the heart.
Toward the body’s midline. The nose is medial to the ears.
Away from the body’s midline. The arms are lateral to the chest.
Closer to where a limb attaches to the torso. The elbow is proximal to the wrist.
Farther from where a limb attaches to the torso. The wrist is distal to the elbow.
Closer to the body surface. The skin is superficial to the muscles.
Farther from the body surface. The lungs are deep to the ribs.
Quizzes
Use this quiz to create content.
Directional Terms Reference
Directional Terms Flip-Card Quiz
Flip the card to reveal the answer.
Terms of Use
Human Bio Media materials are open source and can be adapted and shared by anyone under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Access it for free at https://humanbiomedia.org
References and Attributions
NIH Medical Terminology - "Medical Language Related to the Whole Body".
OpenStax - "Anatomical Terminology." Access for free at - https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction.
Wikipedia - "Anatomical Terminology."