Which directional term describes being toward the back of the body?

Which directional term describes being toward the back of the body?

• A. Anterior
• B. Posterior
• C. Superior
• D. Inferior

Answer: (B)

Direction in anatomy uses terms like anterior and posterior to describe location relative to the body's standard position. Toward the back is posterior. In this position, the front is anterior, the top is superior, and the bottom is inferior. For example, the spine is on the posterior (back) aspect, while the sternum is on the anterior (front) aspect. So posterior is the correct term for being toward the back.

Direction in anatomy uses terms like anterior and posterior to describe location relative to the body's standard position. Toward the back is posterior. In this position, the front is anterior, the top is superior, and the bottom is inferior. For example, the spine is on the posterior (back) aspect, while the sternum is on the anterior (front) aspect. So posterior is the correct term for being toward the back.