wildlife rehabilitation: anatomical reference terms

Dorsal

Nearer the back of the animal than

Ventral

Nearer the front of the animal than

Cranial (or anterior)

Nearer to the skull than

Caudal (or posterior)

Nearer to the tail than

Proximal

Closer to the body than (only used for structures on the limbs)

Distal

Further from the body than (only used for structures on the limbs)

Medial

Nearer to the midline than

Lateral

Further from the midline than

Rostral

Towards the muzzle

Palmar

The “walking” surface of the front paw

Plantar

The “walking” surface of the hind paw

The backbone is ___ to the belly

Dorsal Example

The breastbone is ___ to the heart

Ventral Example

The diaphragm is ___ to the stomach

Cranial (or anterior) Example

The ribs are ___ to the neck

Caudal (or posterior) Example

The shoulder is ___ to the elbow

Proximal Example

The ankle is ___ to the knee

Distal Example

The bladder is ___ to the hips

Medial Example

The ribs are ___ to the lungs

Lateral Example

There are more gray hairs in the ___ part of the head

Rostral Example

There is a small cut on the left ___ surface

Palmar Example

The pads are on the ___ side of the foot

Plantar Example