In anatomical terms, which direction indicates toward the back of the body?

In anatomical terms, which direction indicates toward the back of the body?

• A. Anterior
• B. Posterior
• C. Medial
• D. Lateral

Answer: (B)

In anatomical terms, directions are defined from the standard anatomical position: standing upright with feet together, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward. From this view, toward the front is anterior (ventral) and toward the back is posterior (dorsal). Medial means toward the midline of the body, and lateral means away from the midline toward the sides. So, the direction toward the back is posterior. For reference, anterior is toward the chest, medial toward the center, and lateral toward the outer side.

In anatomical terms, directions are defined from the standard anatomical position: standing upright with feet together, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward. From this view, toward the front is anterior (ventral) and toward the back is posterior (dorsal). Medial means toward the midline of the body, and lateral means away from the midline toward the sides. So, the direction toward the back is posterior. For reference, anterior is toward the chest, medial toward the center, and lateral toward the outer side.