Anatomical directions

Towards the head

• Cranial

• Caudal

• Ventral

• Dorsal

Towards the tail

• Cranial

• Caudal

• Distal

• Proximal

Ventral =

• Towards the nose (head only)

• Towards the head

• Towards the underside

• Towards the back

The opposite direction to ventral is:

• Distal

• Proximal

• Dorsal

• Lateral

Towards the midline =

• Lateral

• Medial

• Proximal

• Distal

The underside of the fore paws:

• Palmar

• Plantar

• Distal

• Proximal

Which of the following relates to limbs only?

• Rostral

• Medial

• Ventral

• Distal

Plantar =

• Underside of fore paw

• Underside of hind paw

• Further from the body (limbs only)

• Closest to the body (limbs only)

Sagittal plane =

• Any plane parallel to the median plane

• Divides the body into symmetrical left and right “halves”

• Divides the limb along its long axis

• Transects the trunk, limb or appendage perpendicular to its own axis

Lateral =

• Towards the midline

• Towards the underside

• Towards the back

• Towards the side