What does posterior (dorsal) mean?

What does posterior (dorsal) mean?

• A. Toward the back end of the body.
• B. Toward the head end.
• C. Toward the midline.
• D. Toward the outer surface.

Answer: (A)

Directional terms describe where a structure is located relative to another part of the body. Posterior, also called dorsal, means toward the back side of the body. In the standard upright position, the back is the rear surface, so a posterior structure is toward the backside. This is the opposite of anterior (ventral), which points to the front. It’s not toward the head (that would be superior or cranial) and not toward the midline (medial) or toward the outer surface (superficial).

Directional terms describe where a structure is located relative to another part of the body. Posterior, also called dorsal, means toward the back side of the body. In the standard upright position, the back is the rear surface, so a posterior structure is toward the backside. This is the opposite of anterior (ventral), which points to the front. It’s not toward the head (that would be superior or cranial) and not toward the midline (medial) or toward the outer surface (superficial).