THE HUMAN BODY IN HEALTH &
DISEASE
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)KEVIN PATTON
TEST BANK
1)
Reference
Ch. 1 — Introduction to the body — Language of science &
anatomical position
Question Stem
A patient is described in a chart as being in the "standard
anatomical position." Which description most accurately
matches this term and explains its purpose for documenting
findings?
,Options
A. Lying supine with palms facing down — standard for imaging
orientation.
B. Standing erect, feet together, arms at sides, palms facing
forward — provides a universal reference for anatomical
descriptions.
C. Seated, back straight, palms resting on thighs — convenient
for physical exam notes.
D. Standing with hands on hips, thumbs pointing posteriorly —
useful for range-of-motion assessment.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct (B): The standard anatomical position is standing, feet
together, arms at sides, palms forward; it establishes a
consistent reference so directional and regional terms are
unambiguous.
Incorrect (A): Supine with palms down is a body position but
not the standard anatomical reference; palms face anteriorly in
the standard position.
Incorrect (C): Seated position is used clinically but does not
serve as the universal anatomical reference.
Incorrect (D): Hands-on-hips is a functional posture, not the
defined anatomical position, so it would confuse directional
descriptors.
,Teaching Point
Standard anatomical position standardizes directional language.
Citation
Patton, K. T. (2024). The Human Body in Health & Disease (8th
ed.). Ch. 1.
2)
Reference
Ch. 1 — Introduction to the body — Anatomical directions
(superior/inferior; anterior/posterior)
Question Stem
A wound is located on the anterior surface of the thigh. Which
statement best describes its relationship to the knee using
anatomical directional terms?
Options
A. The wound is distal to the knee.
B. The wound is inferior to the knee.
C. The wound is superior to the knee.
D. The wound is posterior to the knee.
Correct Answer
C
Rationales
Correct (C): The thigh is proximal and superior to the knee;
using superior correctly describes a structure closer to the head
, than the knee.
Incorrect (A): Distal refers to distance from the trunk along a
limb; the thigh is proximal, not distal, relative to the knee.
Incorrect (B): Inferior means closer to the feet; the thigh is
above (superior to) the knee.
Incorrect (D): Posterior refers to the back surface; the wound is
on the anterior thigh, not posterior.
Teaching Point
Superior = toward the head; inferior = toward the feet.
Citation
Patton, K. T. (2024). The Human Body in Health & Disease (8th
ed.). Ch. 1.
3)
Reference
Ch. 1 — Introduction to the body — Planes of the body
Question Stem
During a physical exam a clinician says a structure lies in the
sagittal plane. Which movement or imaging slice would best
demonstrate that structure?
Options
A. A transverse CT slice showing head-to-foot separation.
B. A frontal (coronal) view showing anterior and posterior
halves.
DISEASE
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)KEVIN PATTON
TEST BANK
1)
Reference
Ch. 1 — Introduction to the body — Language of science &
anatomical position
Question Stem
A patient is described in a chart as being in the "standard
anatomical position." Which description most accurately
matches this term and explains its purpose for documenting
findings?
,Options
A. Lying supine with palms facing down — standard for imaging
orientation.
B. Standing erect, feet together, arms at sides, palms facing
forward — provides a universal reference for anatomical
descriptions.
C. Seated, back straight, palms resting on thighs — convenient
for physical exam notes.
D. Standing with hands on hips, thumbs pointing posteriorly —
useful for range-of-motion assessment.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct (B): The standard anatomical position is standing, feet
together, arms at sides, palms forward; it establishes a
consistent reference so directional and regional terms are
unambiguous.
Incorrect (A): Supine with palms down is a body position but
not the standard anatomical reference; palms face anteriorly in
the standard position.
Incorrect (C): Seated position is used clinically but does not
serve as the universal anatomical reference.
Incorrect (D): Hands-on-hips is a functional posture, not the
defined anatomical position, so it would confuse directional
descriptors.
,Teaching Point
Standard anatomical position standardizes directional language.
Citation
Patton, K. T. (2024). The Human Body in Health & Disease (8th
ed.). Ch. 1.
2)
Reference
Ch. 1 — Introduction to the body — Anatomical directions
(superior/inferior; anterior/posterior)
Question Stem
A wound is located on the anterior surface of the thigh. Which
statement best describes its relationship to the knee using
anatomical directional terms?
Options
A. The wound is distal to the knee.
B. The wound is inferior to the knee.
C. The wound is superior to the knee.
D. The wound is posterior to the knee.
Correct Answer
C
Rationales
Correct (C): The thigh is proximal and superior to the knee;
using superior correctly describes a structure closer to the head
, than the knee.
Incorrect (A): Distal refers to distance from the trunk along a
limb; the thigh is proximal, not distal, relative to the knee.
Incorrect (B): Inferior means closer to the feet; the thigh is
above (superior to) the knee.
Incorrect (D): Posterior refers to the back surface; the wound is
on the anterior thigh, not posterior.
Teaching Point
Superior = toward the head; inferior = toward the feet.
Citation
Patton, K. T. (2024). The Human Body in Health & Disease (8th
ed.). Ch. 1.
3)
Reference
Ch. 1 — Introduction to the body — Planes of the body
Question Stem
During a physical exam a clinician says a structure lies in the
sagittal plane. Which movement or imaging slice would best
demonstrate that structure?
Options
A. A transverse CT slice showing head-to-foot separation.
B. A frontal (coronal) view showing anterior and posterior
halves.
