Clarification on dorsal and ventral area in humans

  • Thread starter Thread starter mazinse
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Area
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the anatomical terms "dorsal" and "ventral" in humans, emphasizing that in human anatomy, "dorsal" is synonymous with "posterior," referring to the back of the body, while "ventral" is synonymous with "anterior," referring to the front. The mid-axillary line serves as a general lateral boundary between these two regions. Additionally, the terms "superior" and "inferior" are defined as referring to the head end and foot end of the body, respectively, without a clear boundary. Understanding these terms is crucial for accurate anatomical referencing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of human anatomy terminology
  • Familiarity with anatomical planes and directional terms
  • Knowledge of the mid-axillary line concept
  • Understanding of the differences between bipedal and quadrupedal anatomical terms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the anatomical terminology used in human anatomy textbooks
  • Study the differences between bipedal and quadrupedal anatomy
  • Learn about the anatomical planes: sagittal, coronal, and transverse
  • Explore the implications of anatomical terms in medical imaging techniques
USEFUL FOR

Students of human anatomy, medical professionals, educators, and anyone interested in understanding anatomical terminology and its applications in healthcare.

mazinse
Messages
188
Reaction score
2
I just need some clarification for the human anatomy, where does the dorsal stop and ventral begin. So for the back for example, does the dorsal stop at the butt or above it.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
mazinse said:
I just need some clarification for the human anatomy, where does the dorsal stop and ventral begin. So for the back for example, does the dorsal stop at the butt or above it.

Hi mazinse! :smile:

No humans seem to have replied, so …

for us fish, dorsal goes right down to the tip of my tail, and down the back of both fins. :biggrin:
 
Based on the phrasing of your question, I think you are misunderstanding the terms dorsal and ventral. Keep in mind that terminology is a little different in humans (bipeds) than other animals (quadripeds).

In humans, dorsal and posterior are synonyms. Basically, everything to the back of the body...back of the head, back of the legs, back. Ventral and anterior are synonyms, so that would be your face, chest, front of your legs, etc.

You might be mixing up superior and inferior, which refer to the head end vs. foot end, respectively. There is no clear boundary of those, because they are terms for relative position, not body regions.

If you want to find a general idea of a boundary between ventral and dorsal, usually the mid-axillary line is considered a good lateral boundary between the two, and the imaginary plane that would be formed by joining the mid-axillary lines of each side.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
10K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K