The Body as a Whole Practice Test

The term for the front of the body is anterior, also known as ventral. In the standard anatomical position—standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms facing forward—the anterior direction points toward the front of the body. This is opposite the back, which is described as posterior (dorsal). Superior and inferior describe vertical position (toward the head versus toward the feet) and do not indicate front or back. For example, the sternum and heart lie on the anterior surface of the chest, while the spine is on the posterior side.