Directional Terms Quiz Anatomy and Physiology

Directional Terms Quiz for Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which statement is false regarding the anatomical position?

a. The palms face the front.

b. The thumbs point away from the body.

c. The head is turned to the left side.

d. The posture is standing erect.

Answer c is the false statement. The head is looking forward in the anatomical position, not to the side.

2. The nose is superior to the navel.

a. True

b. False

The correct answer is a, true. The nose is superior (above) to the navel.

3. What’s another name for anterior:

a. Dorsal

b. Ventral

c. Cranial

d. Caudal

The answer is b, ventral. Dorsal is another word for posterior.

4. The word anterior means:

a. At or toward the front of the body

b. Away from the insertion point of a structure.

c. At the back or rear of the body.

d. Toward the middle of the body.

The answer is a, toward the front of the body. Remember: Abs (abdominal muscles) are on the anterior side of
the body.

5. The wrist is distal to the elbow.

a. True

b. False

The answer is a, true. Distal means farther away from the point of insertion to a body’s structure. Remember:
when you hold a pistol, it’s distal to the upper arm.

6. What’s another word for “superior?”