Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation

Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 7th Edition

Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091Not the one you use?Change textbook

Marieb, Hoehn 7th Edition

Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation

Problem 7

Chapter 1, Problem 7

Terms that apply to the backside of the body in the anatomical position include:
a. Ventral; anterior
b. Back; rear
c. Posterior; dorsal
d. Medial; lateral

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the anatomical position, which is the standard reference position in anatomy where the body is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Step 2: Recall that terms describing the backside of the body refer to the posterior or dorsal aspects. 'Posterior' means toward the back, and 'dorsal' also refers to the back side.

Step 3: Review the options given: (a) Ventral and anterior both refer to the front side of the body, so they do not apply to the backside.

Step 4: Option (b) uses common language terms 'back' and 'rear', which are informal but generally refer to the backside; however, in anatomical terminology, more precise terms are preferred.

Step 5: Option (c) uses 'posterior' and 'dorsal', which are the correct anatomical terms for the backside of the body, while (d) 'medial' and 'lateral' refer to positions relative to the midline and sides, not specifically the back.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Anatomical Position

The anatomical position is a standard reference posture where the body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. This position is used to describe locations and directions on the body consistently.

Directional Terms: Posterior and Dorsal

Posterior and dorsal refer to the backside of the body in the anatomical position. 'Posterior' means toward the back, while 'dorsal' is often used interchangeably, especially in animals, to indicate the back or upper side.

Directional Terms: Ventral, Anterior, Medial, and Lateral

Ventral and anterior refer to the front or belly side of the body, opposite to posterior and dorsal. Medial means toward the midline of the body, while lateral means away from the midline, describing side-to-side positions.

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Medial and Lateral

Related Practice

Textbook Question

List and describe briefly five external factors that must be present or provided to sustain life.

In (a)–(e), a directional term [e.g., distal in (a)] is followed by terms indicating different body structures or locations (e.g., the elbow/wrist). In each case, choose the structure or organ that matches the given directional term.

a. Distal: the elbow/the wrist

b. Lateral: the hip bone/the umbilicus

c. Superior: the nose/the chin

d. Anterior: the toes/the heel

e. Superficial: the scalp/the skull

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Textbook Question

Construct a table that lists the 11 systems of the body, names two organs of each system (if appropriate), and describes the overall or major function of each system.

Which ventral cavity subdivision has no bony protection?

a. Thoracic cavity

b. Abdominal cavity

c. Pelvic cavity

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Textbook Question

According to the principle of complementarity, how does anatomy relate to physiology?