Anatomical Directions Quiz

What does the term "Medial" refer to in anatomical terms?

• Toward the side of the body

• Toward the midline or middle of the body

• Toward the front of the body

• Toward the back of the body

Answer explanation

In anatomical terms, the term 'Medial' refers to 'Toward the midline or middle of the body', indicating a position closer to the center of the body.

MIDDLE - MEDIAL, very similar terms

What does the term "Lateral" refer to in anatomical terms?

• Toward the side of the body

• Toward the midline or middle of the body

• Toward the front of the body

• Toward the back of the body

Answer explanation

In anatomical terms, the term 'Lateral' refers to 'Toward the side of the body', indicating a direction away from the midline or middle of the body.

Example exercise: A LATERAL raise.

What does the term "Anterior" refer to in anatomical terms?

• Toward the back of the body

• Toward the side of the body

• Toward the front of the body

• Toward the midline of the body

What does the term "Posterior" refer to in anatomical terms?

• Toward the front of the body

• Toward the side of the body

• Toward the midline of the body

• Toward the back of the body

What does the term "Superior" refer to in anatomical terms?

• Below; Away from the head

• Toward the trunk; Near the origin

• Above; Toward the head

• Away from the trunk; Far from the origin

Answer explanation

The term 'Superior' in anatomical terms refers to 'Above; Toward the head', indicating a position higher in the body and closer to the head.

If something is superior it is at or towards the top, high. If it is inferior it is seen as below, underneath, low.

What does the term "Inferior" refer to in anatomical terms?

• Above; Toward the head

• Below; Away from the head

• Toward the trunk; Near the origin

• Away from the trunk; Far from the origin

Answer explanation

In anatomical terms, the term 'Inferior' refers to 'Below; Away from the head', indicating a position lower and farther from the head.

If something is superior it is at or towards the top, high. If it is inferior it is seen as below, underneath, low.

What does the term "Proximal" refer to in anatomical terms?

• Toward the trunk; Near the origin

• Away from the trunk; Far from the origin

• Above; Toward the head

• Below; Away from the head

Answer explanation

In anatomical terms, the term 'Proximal' refers to being toward the trunk and near the origin.

The term close proximity means nearby. Imagine the trunk as the central point, proximal is close by, near the centre, near the trunk

What does the term "Distal" refer to in anatomical terms?

• Toward the trunk; Near the origin

• Away from the trunk; Far from the origin

• Above; Toward the head

• Below; Away from the head

Answer explanation

Away from the trunk; Far from the origin.

DISTAL - DISTANCE. Away, far from the centre.

What does "Unilateral" mean in anatomical terms?

• Involving both sides of the body

• Involving one side of the body

• On the same side of the body

• On opposite sides of the body

Answer explanation

In anatomical terms, 'Unilateral' means involving one side of the body.

Lateral means side of body. UNI means one.

ONE side of the body.

What does "Bilateral" mean in anatomical terms?

• Involving one side of the body

• On the same side of the body

• Involving both sides of the body

• On opposite sides of the body

Answer explanation

In anatomical terms, 'Bilateral' means involving both sides of the body, not just one side or the same side.

BI means TWO (or in this case more than one side.

BI (TWO) LATERAL (SIDES)