Orientation And Directional Terms

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Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 2,383

Questions: 20 | Attempts: 1,067 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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Orientation And Directional Terms - Quiz

Questions and Answers

1.

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure of the body;above

Explanation
The term "superior" refers to the direction toward the head end or upper part of the body. It is also known as "cranial." This means that when we talk about a structure in the body being superior or cranial, it is positioned above another structure. For example, if we say that the head is superior to the neck, it means that the head is located above the neck.

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2.

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body;below

Explanation
The term "inferior" refers to a position that is away from the head or towards the lower part of a structure or the body. It is often used in anatomical terms to describe the location of a body part or structure. Another term that can be used synonymously with "inferior" is "caudal". Both terms indicate a downward or lower position in relation to another structure or point of reference.

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3.

Toward or at the front of the body;in front of

Explanation
The term "ventral" refers to the front or anterior part of the body. It is used to describe the position or location of a structure that is closer to the front of the body. In this context, "ventral (anterior)" means that the structure in question is located toward or at the front of the body, or in front of other structures.

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4.

Toward or at the back of the body;behind

Explanation
The term "dorsal" refers to the back side of the body, while "posterior" means toward the back. Therefore, both terms indicate the same direction, which is toward or at the back of the body.

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5.

Toward or at the midline of the body;on the inner side of

Explanation
The term "medial" refers to a position or direction that is towards or at the midline of the body. It is specifically used to describe something that is on the inner side of a structure or body part. In this context, "medial" is the correct answer because it accurately describes the location or direction being referred to in the question.

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6.

Away from the midline of the body;on the outer side of

Explanation
Lateral refers to a position or direction that is away from the midline of the body and towards the outer side. It is used to describe something that is located or moving towards the side of the body, opposite to the midline.

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7.

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

Explanation
The term "intermediate" refers to something that is between two extremes or in the middle. In the context of the given question, the correct answer "intermediate" suggests that the structure being referred to is positioned between a more medial (towards the midline of the body) and a more lateral (away from the midline of the body) structure. This implies that the structure is located neither completely towards the midline nor completely away from it, but rather in an intermediate position.

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8.

Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Explanation
The term "proximal" refers to a location that is closer to the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk. In other words, it describes a position that is nearer to the center of the body or the starting point of a limb. This term is commonly used in anatomy to describe the relative position of different body parts or structures.

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9.

Farther from the origin of a body part of the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Explanation
The term "distal" refers to a body part that is located farther away from the origin or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk. In other words, it describes a body part that is situated towards the end of a limb or away from the center of the body.

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10.

Toward or at the body surface

Explanation
The term "superficial" refers to something that is located or occurring on or near the surface. In the context of the question, "superficial" is used to describe something that is toward or at the body surface. It implies that the object or condition being referred to is not deep or internal, but rather closer to the outer layer of the body. Therefore, "superficial" is the correct answer to describe something that is at or toward the body surface.

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11.

Away from the body surface;more internal

Explanation
The term "deep" refers to something that is situated further inside or away from the body surface. In this context, "deep(internal)" means that the object or structure being described is located more internally within the body, rather than being close to or on the body surface. This answer suggests that the object or structure is positioned at a greater depth within the body.

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12.

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions

Explanation
The correct answer is "Frontal (coronal)". The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions. This means that when the body is cut along this plane, it separates the front part of the body from the back part.

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13.

Vertical plane that divides the body or an organ into right and left sides

Explanation
The vertical plane that divides the body or an organ into right and left sides is called the sagittal plane. The midsagittal plane specifically divides the body or organ into equal right and left halves, while the parasagittal plane divides them into unequal halves. Therefore, both midsagittal and parasagittal planes are correct answers.

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14.

Divides the body into superior ( upper) and inferior (lower) portions

Explanation
The correct answer is transverse (horizontal) because this term refers to a plane or direction that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions. A transverse plane is perpendicular to the long axis of the body and divides it into top and bottom sections. This is different from other planes such as sagittal (divides body into left and right) or frontal (divides body into front and back).

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15.

Passes through the body or an organ at an angle between the transverse and either a sagittal or frontal plane

Explanation
The term "oblique" refers to a direction or position that is neither completely transverse nor sagittal or frontal. In the context of the question, it means that the path or trajectory passes through the body or an organ at an angle that is not completely perpendicular or parallel to any of the three planes mentioned. This term is used to describe a diagonal or slanted orientation, indicating that the path is not straight or aligned with any specific plane.

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16.

Identify (a)

Explanation
The correct answer is "Frontal Plane." The frontal plane is one of the three anatomical planes, along with the sagittal and transverse planes. It divides the body into front and back halves, or anterior and posterior portions. This plane is perpendicular to the sagittal plane and divides the body into equal right and left sides. Movements that occur in the frontal plane include abduction and adduction, as well as lateral flexion.

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17.

Identify (b)
18.

Identify (c)

Explanation
The midsagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves. It passes through the midline of the body, specifically through the midline of the head, neck, and trunk. This plane is important in anatomical and medical studies as it helps to identify the symmetry and alignment of structures in the body.

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19.

Identify (d)

Explanation
A parasagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into unequal left and right halves. It is parallel to the sagittal plane but not passing through the midline of the body. This plane is commonly used in medical imaging and anatomical studies to visualize specific structures or regions of interest in the body.

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20.

Identify (e)

Explanation
The correct answer is "Transverse plane". The transverse plane is a horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower portions. It is perpendicular to the sagittal and frontal planes. This plane is commonly used in anatomy to describe the position and movement of body parts.

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