Veterinary Anatomy Practice Test

Directional terminology in anatomy uses dorsal to mean toward the back, the posterior surface. This is distinct from caudal (toward the tail), rostral (toward the snout/head), and ventral (toward the belly or underside). In the standard anatomical orientation, the back is the dorsal side, so a structure located toward the back is described as dorsal. Therefore, dorsal best fits the idea of the back area or position toward the back.