Prepare for the Marieb Language of Anatomy Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions, flashcards, and explanations for each answer. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

In anatomical terminology, what is another term for the back side of the body?

Back side is described by the dorsal surface. In anatomy, dorsal (and its synonym posterior) refers to the back of the body, while ventral (or anterior) refers to the front or belly side. Superior means toward the head, and it doesn’t specifically describe back vs. front. So the term that best names the back side is dorsal.

Back side is described by the dorsal surface. In anatomy, dorsal (and its synonym posterior) refers to the back of the body, while ventral (or anterior) refers to the front or belly side. Superior means toward the head, and it doesn’t specifically describe back vs. front. So the term that best names the back side is dorsal.