Anatomical Directions, Planes & Cavities (Part 1)

By taking this quiz, you will learn to identify and differentiate different anatomical directions, planes, and cavities of the body.

  • Question of

    It refers to the front of the body or the direction towards the front of the body.

    • Anterior
    • Proximal
    • Distal
    • Lateral

    Correct Wrong

    The front or direction toward the front is called anterior (or ventral). Toes are located anterior to the foot.

  • Question of

    This term refers to the back of the body or direction towards the back.

    • Posterior
    • Deep
    • Distal
    • Medial

    Correct Wrong

    The posterior (or dorsal) includes the back of a body or the direction toward the back. The popliteus is located posterior to the patella.

  • Question of

    Refers to a position that is above or higher than another part of the body.

    • Cranial
    • Proximal
    • Posterior
    • Deep

    Correct Wrong

    A superior (or cranial) position is a position above or higher than another part of the body. Thus, the orbits are superior to the oris.

  • Question of

    This is a position that is below or lower than another part of the body, near or toward the tail.

    • Caudal
    • Cranial
    • Medial
    • Anterior

    Correct Wrong

    An inferior (or caudal) position is one below or lower than another part of the body; near or toward the tail (in humans, the lowest part of the spinal column). In humans, the pelvis is inferior to the abdomen.

  • Question of

    Describes a side of the body or a direction toward the side.

    • Lateral
    • Medial
    • Deep
    • Caudal

    Correct Wrong

    Lateral refers to a side or direction toward the body's side. A thumb (pollex) is located lateral to the fingers.

  • Question of

    A position of the limb near the point of attachment or the trunk.

    • Proximal
    • Cranial
    • Medial
    • Anterior

    Correct Wrong

    A proximal position is one where the limb is closer to the point of attachment or to the trunk of the body. Proximal to the antebrachium is the brachium.

  • Question of

    A position in which the limb is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

    • Distal
    • Proximal
    • Lateral
    • Caudal

    Correct Wrong

    As the name implies, distal refers to the position in a limb that is further from its origin or the trunk. As an example, the crus is distal to the femur.

  • Question of

    Refers to a position that is farther from the surface of the body.

    • Deep
    • Cranial
    • Caudal
    • Directional terms

    Correct Wrong

    A deep position is one that is further from the body's surface. The brain is located deep inside the skull.

  • Question of

    Refers to the body’s center or direction toward the center.

    • Medial
    • Caudal
    • Posterior
    • Lateral

    Correct Wrong

    Refers to the body's center or direction toward the center. For example, the hallux is the medial toe.

  • Question of

    A plane that divides a body or an organ vertically into right and left sides.

    • Sagittal plane
    • Frontal plane
    • Body plane
    • Median plane

    Correct Wrong

    Sagittal plane: vertically divides a body or organ into left and right halves. It is called the midsagittal or median plane if it runs directly down the center of the body.