1. Introduction to Veterinary Medical Terminology
DIRECTIONAL TERMS

2. Common Terms for Body Parts
Head - cranium
Neck - cervical
Belly - abdomen
Front/back leg - front/hind; extremities, dorsal, ventral

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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.