Posterior

Posterior

Definition

Posterior (or dorsal) means towards the back.

Both posterior and anterior are directional terms which describe the location of the body parts to the back or to the front. For instance, the vertebral column is located posteriorly, while the sternum is a anteriorly situated structure.

References

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 1: The Body’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 6.

  • SEER Training Modules, Intro to the Human Body, Anatomical Terminology. U. S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. February 2nd, 2023 < https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/body/terminology.html>