Anatomy Challenge: Directional Terms Quiz

Reviewed by Stephen Reinbold
Stephen Reinbold, PhD, Biological Sciences |
Biology Expert
Review Board Member
Stephen Reinbold has a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a particular interest in teaching. He taught General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology for almost thirty years at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. He particularly enjoyed emphasizing scientific methodology and student research projects. Now, enjoying retirement, he works part-time as an editor while also engaging in online activities.
, PhD, Biological Sciences
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Anatomy Challenge: Directional Terms Quiz - Quiz

Take up this Directional Terms quiz below and see just how much you know about the human body and the direction our body parts face. Our bodies are designed in a specific way, and our organs and body parts generally point in a given direction. Do you have adequate knowledge of directional terminology? Take this quiz to find out. All the best, and remember to do it while looking at your body.


Directional Terms Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    The arm is _________ to the hand.

    • A.

      Medial

    • B.

      Lateral

    • C.

      Proximal

    • D.

      Distal

    Correct Answer
    C. Proximal
    Explanation
    The arm is described as proximal to the hand because it is closer to the point of attachment or origin, which in this case is the shoulder. Proximal refers to a position that is closer to the center or midline of the body, while distal would mean further away. In comparison, medial and lateral refer to positions relative to the midline of the body, with medial indicating closer to the midline and lateral indicating further away. Therefore, proximal is the correct answer as it accurately describes the relationship between the arm and hand.

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  • 2. 

    In the anatomical position, the subject _____________.

    • A.

      Is lying down

    • B.

      Has arms placed above the head

    • C.

      Is standing upright, facing the observer with the palms backward

    • D.

      Is standing upright, facing the observer with the palms forward

    Correct Answer
    D. Is standing upright, facing the observer with the palms forward
    Explanation
    In the anatomical position, the subject is standing upright, facing the observer with the palms forward. This position is used as a reference point for describing the location and orientation of various body parts. It allows for standardized communication and understanding in the field of anatomy.

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  • 3. 

    The anatomical term which best describes a structure toward the head is ______________.

    • A.

      Superficial

    • B.

      Deep

    • C.

      Inferior

    • D.

      Superior

    Correct Answer
    D. Superior
    Explanation
    The term "superior" in anatomy refers to a structure that is located above or towards the head. It is used to describe the position of one structure in relation to another. In this case, "superior" is the correct answer as it indicates a structure that is closer to the head or above another structure. "Superficial" refers to a structure that is closer to the surface of the body, "deep" refers to a structure that is located further away from the surface, and "inferior" refers to a structure that is located below or towards the feet.

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  • 4. 

    The best anatomical term to describe the back region of the body would be _____________.

    • A.

      Ventral

    • B.

      Dorsal

    • C.

      Gluteal

    • D.

      Deep

    Correct Answer
    B. Dorsal
    Explanation
    The best anatomical term to describe the back region of the body would be "dorsal". This term refers to the posterior or back side of the body. The dorsal region includes the spine, shoulder blades, and upper back. It is the opposite of the ventral region, which refers to the anterior or front side of the body. The term "gluteal" refers to the buttocks, and "deep" is a general term that does not specifically describe the back region.

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  • 5. 

    In the anatomical position, the thumbs point ______________.

    • A.

      In, toward the body

    • B.

      Out, away from the body

    • C.

      Forward

    • D.

      Backward

    Correct Answer
    B. Out, away from the body
    Explanation
    In the anatomical position, the thumbs point out, away from the body. This is because the anatomical position is a standardized position in which the body is standing upright, facing forward, with the arms at the sides and the palms facing forward. In this position, the thumbs naturally point away from the body, in an outward direction.

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  • 6. 

    The armpit or axilla is __________ to the hip.

    • A.

      Deep

    • B.

      Superior

    • C.

      Inferior

    • D.

      Superficial

    Correct Answer
    B. Superior
    Explanation
    The armpit or axilla is located above or higher than the hip, making it superior to the hip.

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  • 7. 

    The "6-pack of abs" is due to the rectus abdominal muscle that lies within the _______ abdominal wall.

    • A.

      Anterior

    • B.

      Posterior

    • C.

      Superior

    • D.

      Inferior

    Correct Answer
    A. Anterior
    Explanation
    The "6-pack of abs" is due to the rectus abdominal muscle that lies within the anterior abdominal wall. This means that the muscle is located towards the front of the body, specifically in the area of the abdomen. The rectus abdominal muscle is responsible for the appearance of a toned and defined abdomen, often referred to as a "6-pack".

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  • 8. 

    The scapula (shoulder blade) is _________ to the vertebral column.

    • A.

      Anteromedial

    • B.

      Posterolateral

    • C.

      Proximal

    • D.

      Distal

    Correct Answer
    B. Posterolateral
    Explanation
    The scapula (shoulder blade) is located on the back side of the body, away from the midline and towards the outer side. It is positioned posteriorly (towards the back) and laterally (away from the midline) to the vertebral column. Therefore, the correct answer is "posterolateral".

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  • 9. 

    The nose is ______ to the navel.

    • A.

      Beside

    • B.

      Below

    • C.

      Superior

    • D.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    C. Superior
    Explanation
    The word "superior" means higher or above in position or rank. In this context, it suggests that the nose is positioned higher or above the navel. This indicates that the nose is located on the upper part of the body in relation to the navel.

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  • 10. 

    Another name for anterior is ___________.

    • A.

      Ventral

    • B.

      Dorsal

    • C.

      Caudal

    • D.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    A. Ventral
    Explanation
    The term "anterior" refers to the front or forward-facing side of an organism or structure. Similarly, the term "ventral" refers to the belly or underside of an organism. Since the belly side is typically located at the front of an organism, "ventral" can be considered another name for "anterior". Therefore, the correct answer is ventral.

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Stephen Reinbold |PhD, Biological Sciences |
Biology Expert
Stephen Reinbold has a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a particular interest in teaching. He taught General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology for almost thirty years at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. He particularly enjoyed emphasizing scientific methodology and student research projects. Now, enjoying retirement, he works part-time as an editor while also engaging in online activities.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 06, 2024
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  • Jul 22, 2009
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    Mike Volz
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