Anatomy Practice Exam 2026 - Free Anatomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term 'dorsal' is used to describe the back of the body in anatomical language. In anatomy, directional terms are important because they provide a universal way to describe locations and orientations of various body parts.

Dorsal originates from the Latin word 'dorsum,' meaning "back." It contrasts with 'ventral,' which refers to the front or belly side of the body. Understanding that 'dorsal' specifically denotes the back helps clarify orientations, especially when discussing structures in animals as well, where dorsal may refer to surfaces corresponding to the back.

The term 'anterior' denotes the front or forward-facing aspect of the body, while 'medial' describes structures closer to the midline of the body. Therefore, in the context of this question, 'dorsal' is definitively associated with the back of the body.