What is the term for the body surface on the front (belly) side?

What is the term for the body surface on the front (belly) side?

• A. Dorsal
• B. Anterior
• C. Ventral
• D. Posterior

Answer: (C)

Ventral describes the front or belly side of the body in anatomical terms. In humans, ventral and anterior are often used interchangeably for the direction toward the front, but ventral is the standard term when talking about the surface facing the abdomen. Dorsal and posterior refer to the back. For example, the sternum sits on the ventral surface, while the spine is on the dorsal surface.

Ventral describes the front or belly side of the body in anatomical terms. In humans, ventral and anterior are often used interchangeably for the direction toward the front, but ventral is the standard term when talking about the surface facing the abdomen. Dorsal and posterior refer to the back. For example, the sternum sits on the ventral surface, while the spine is on the dorsal surface.