Introduction to Veterinary Medical Terminology DIRECTIONAL TERMS
Common Terms for Body Parts Head - cranium Neck - cervical Belly - abdomen Front/back leg - front/hind; extremities, dorsal, ventral
Word Structure: Root Word Definition - the foundation of the word Example: Anterior = Ante - meaning: pertaining to the front Posterior = Post - meaning: pertaining to the rear Cranial = Crani - (from the L. word cranium) meaning: pertaining to the head, skull
Root Words Crani -pertaining to the head Rostr- pertaining to the nose (L. cranium) Rostr- pertaining to the nose (L. rostrum) Cauda - pertaining to the tail (L. cauda)
Root Words Dors - pertaining to the back (L. dorsum) Ventr- pertaining to the belly (L. ventrum) Palm - pertaining to the palm (humans) or sole of the forefeet (animals) Plant - pertaining to the sole of the hindfeet
Root Words Later/al - pertaining to the side (L. laterus) Medi/al - pertaining to the middle Post - pertaining to the rear Remember: The key to using directional terminology appropriately is to use a suitable point of reference.