Which statement best describes the term posterior in anatomy?

• A. Toward the front
• B. Above
• C. Below
• D. Toward the back

Answer: (D)

Posterior means toward the back of the body. In the standard upright anatomical position, the back side is the posterior side, opposite the front where the belly is. So a structure described as posterior lies closer to the spine or back surface. It’s opposite to anterior, which points toward the front. Dorsal is often used synonymously with posterior in many contexts.