Dorsal

Dorsal refers to the back or upper side of an organism or part of the body. It is an anatomical term of location that is used in biology to refer to the back, or upper side, of an organism. The term is derived from the Latin word "dorsum", which means back. The opposite of dorsal is ventral, which refers to the front or lower side of an organism.

Anatomy

In anatomy, the term dorsal is used to describe the back or upper side of the body or body part. For example, the dorsal side of the hand is the back of the hand, the part that faces upwards when the palm is facing downwards. Similarly, the dorsal side of the foot is the part that faces upwards when the foot is flat on the ground.

Zoology

In zoology, the term dorsal is used to describe the back or upper side of an animal. For example, the dorsal fin of a fish or dolphin is the fin located on the back of the animal. Similarly, the dorsal surface of a snake or worm is the surface that faces upwards when the animal is moving along the ground.

Neuroanatomy

In neuroanatomy, the term dorsal is used to describe the top or upper side of the brain or spinal cord. For example, the dorsal surface of the brain is the surface that faces upwards when the brain is viewed from the side. Similarly, the dorsal side of the spinal cord is the side that faces towards the back of the body.

See also

• Anatomical terms of location
• Ventral
• Dorsal fin
• Dorsal root of spinal nerve
• Dorsal stream