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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Take the Posterior & Anterior Body Regions Quiz Now!

Think you know the body regions posterior? Dive in!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art showing highlighted posterior and anterior body regions including antebrachial area on sky blue backdrop for quiz

This Posterior Body Regions Quiz helps you practice naming regions on the back of the body and compare them with anterior areas, including the antebrachial region. Use it to spot gaps before a lab or exam, with fast feedback on each item. After this, explore more with our body regions practice and anatomical regions review .

Which anatomical term refers to the back of the elbow?
Antecubital
Popliteal
Olecranal
Cubital
The olecranal region refers specifically to the posterior aspect of the elbow, where the olecranon process of the ulna is palpable. 'Popliteal' refers to the back of the knee, 'cubital' can describe the elbow area generally, and 'antecubital' denotes the front of the elbow. Understanding precise anatomical terms helps avoid ambiguity in clinical communication. For more information, see .
The loin region of the back is known as the _____ region.
Scapular
Lumbar
Sacral
Cervical
The lumbar region refers to the lower back or loin area between the thoracic cage and pelvis. The sacral region lies just inferior to the lumbar vertebrae over the sacrum. 'Scapular' refers to the shoulder blade area, and 'cervical' denotes the neck. Learn more at .
Which term refers to the posterior region of the head?
Temporal
Parietal
Frontal
Occipital
The occipital region is the back part of the skull, covering the occipital bone. The frontal region is the forehead, temporal is the side of the head, and parietal refers to the upper sides of the skull. Proper region naming is essential for neurological exams. See for details.
What is the anatomical name for the back of the knee?
Popliteal
Cubital
Patellar
Crural
The popliteal region refers to the hollow area behind the knee. 'Patellar' describes the front of the knee over the kneecap, 'crural' refers to the leg, and 'cubital' is related to the elbow. Recognizing these terms is important when discussing knee injuries. More at .
Which term designates the buttock region?
Iliac
Inguinal
Pelvic
Gluteal
The gluteal region comprises the buttocks and is named after the gluteus muscles. 'Iliac' refers to the ilium of the pelvis, 'inguinal' is the groin area, and 'pelvic' covers the broader region inside the hip bones. Proper naming helps in diagnosing hip and lower back pain. See .
What is the name of the region at the back of the neck?
Clavicular
Occipital
Nuchal
Cervical
The nuchal region refers to the back of the neck where the nuchal ligament is located. 'Cervical' refers more generally to the neck region and vertebrae, 'occipital' is the base of the skull, and 'clavicular' pertains to the collarbone. Knowing this helps in discussing neck injuries. For more, visit .
Which term refers to the dorsal aspect of the wrist?
Ventromedial
Dorsal carpal
Palmar
Antecubital
The dorsal carpal region denotes the back of the wrist where the carpal bones are palpable. 'Palmar' refers to the front of the hand, 'antecubital' is the front of the elbow, and 'ventromedial' is not commonly used for the wrist. Accurate regional terms aid in imaging and diagnosis. See .
What is the anatomical term for the posterior lower leg?
Tibial
Crural
Fibular
Sural
The sural region covers the calf or back of the lower leg. 'Tibial' refers to the shin area over the tibia, 'fibular' to the lateral side of the leg, and 'crural' means the leg in general. Knowing 'sural' is important in vascular and nerve assessments. More details at .
Which region lies directly inferior to the lumbar region on the posterior torso?
Sacral
Pelvic
Scapular
Thoracic
The sacral region sits below the lumbar vertebrae over the sacrum. The thoracic region is above lumbar, scapular is lateral shoulder blade area, and pelvic refers to the anterior hip area. Properly identifying regions helps localize pain. See for reference.
What is the term for the back of the heel?
Tarsal
Calcaneal
Talonavicular
Metatarsal
The calcaneal region refers to the heel bone (calcaneus) at the back of the foot. 'Tarsal' is the general ankle area, 'metatarsal' covers the foot bones, and 'talonavicular' is an ankle joint. Correct terminology is vital in podiatry. More at .
The area between the anus and external genitalia on the posterior side is called the _____ region.
Gluteal
Perineal
Genicular
Inguinal
The perineal region is the area between the anus and the external genitalia. 'Inguinal' is the groin crease, 'genicular' relates to the knee, and 'gluteal' is the buttock. Accurate identification helps in urological and obstetric exams. See .
Which term describes the midline region overlying the vertebral column on the back?
Dorsal
Spinal
Vertebral
Medial
The vertebral region refers to the area over the spinous processes of the vertebrae down the midline of the back. 'Spinal' can refer broadly to the spinal cord, 'dorsal' means back in general, and 'medial' means toward the midline. This term is crucial in spinal surgery. More at .
The region of the shoulder blade is known as the _____ region.
Scapular
Acromial
Clavicular
Deltoid
The scapular region covers the area of the shoulder blade (scapula). 'Acromial' refers to the top of the shoulder, 'deltoid' to the shoulder muscle area, and 'clavicular' to the collarbone region. Precise terms guide palpation in physical exams. See .
The forearm region is referred to anatomically as the _____ region.
Brachial
Antebrachial
Cubital
Carpal
The antebrachial region encompasses the forearm between the elbow and wrist. 'Brachial' refers to the arm between shoulder and elbow, 'cubital' to the elbow, and 'carpal' to the wrist. Proper naming is key in describing injections or injuries. For more, visit .
Which bony prominence is palpable at the lower back dimples known as the 'Dimples of Venus'?
Anterior superior iliac spine
Greater trochanter
Ischial tuberosity
Posterior superior iliac spine
The posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) creates the visible dimples on the lower back known as the 'Dimples of Venus.' The anterior superior iliac spine is on the front of the pelvis, ischial tuberosities are the 'sit bones,' and the greater trochanter is on the femur. Recognizing PSIS is important for pelvic alignment checks. More at .
The infraspinatus muscle occupies which region of the scapula?
Supraspinous fossa
Glenoid cavity
Subscapular fossa
Infraspinous fossa
The infraspinatus muscle lies in the infraspinous fossa on the posterior surface of the scapula below the spine. The supraspinous fossa is above the spine, the subscapular fossa is on the anterior surface, and the glenoid cavity is the socket for the arm. This location is crucial for shoulder stabilization. See .
Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the posterolateral lower leg and foot?
Sural nerve
Femoral nerve
Tibial nerve
Saphenous nerve
The sural nerve is a sensory branch that supplies the posterolateral lower leg and lateral foot. The tibial nerve gives motor innervation to posterior leg muscles, the femoral nerve innervates anterior thigh, and the saphenous nerve supplies medial leg sensations. Accurate nerve identification is key in neuropathies. More at .
Which muscle forms the superomedial boundary of the popliteal fossa?
Biceps femoris
Semimembranosus
Gastrocnemius (lateral head)
Semitendinosus
The semimembranosus muscle forms the superomedial border of the popliteal fossa. The biceps femoris forms the superolateral border, semitendinosus lies medial but is not the primary boundary, and the gastrocnemius heads form inferior borders. Understanding fossa boundaries is critical for surgical approaches. See .
The Achilles tendon is formed by the convergence of which two muscles?
Gastrocnemius and soleus
Tibialis posterior and peroneus longus
Plantaris and popliteus
Flexor digitorum longus and tibialis posterior
The Achilles tendon, or calcaneal tendon, is formed by the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles inserting onto the calcaneus. Tibialis posterior and peroneus longus attach elsewhere, and plantaris is a small accessory tendon. This tendon is central to gait and is often injured in athletes. More at .
Which muscle's lower fibers attach to T6 - T12 spinous processes and aid in scapular depression?
Latissimus dorsi
Trapezius
Levator scapulae
Rhomboid major
The lower fibers of the trapezius muscle attach from the spinous processes of T6 - T12 and function in scapular depression and upward rotation. Latissimus dorsi inserts on the humerus, rhomboid major retracts the scapula, and levator scapulae elevates it. Recognizing these attachments is important in posture assessment. See .
The supraspinous ligament runs along the posterior aspect of which structures?
Articular facets
Laminae
Spinous processes
Transverse processes
The supraspinous ligament connects the tips of adjacent spinous processes from C7 to the sacrum along the posterior midline. It does not attach to transverse processes, laminae, or articular facets. This ligament helps limit hyperflexion of the vertebral column. For more, see .
Which artery supplies the posterior compartment of the leg deep to the soleus muscle?
Anterior tibial artery
Posterior tibial artery
Fibular (peroneal) artery
Popliteal artery
The posterior tibial artery travels deep to the soleus within the posterior compartment, supplying muscles and skin of that area. The anterior tibial artery runs in the anterior compartment, fibular artery branches laterally, and the popliteal artery is the proximal source. Identifying these vessels is important in distal pulses. See .
The antebrachial fascia encloses muscles of which region?
Arm
Shoulder
Hand
Forearm
The antebrachial fascia is a deep fascia layer that encases the muscles of the forearm. 'Arm' refers to the brachial region between shoulder and elbow, the hand has palmar fascia, and the shoulder is covered by deltoid fascia. Proper fascia knowledge aids in compartment syndrome assessment. More at .
Which muscle in the posterior neck region assists with head extension and rotation?
Platysma
Levator scapulae
Sternocleidomastoid
Splenius capitis
The splenius capitis lies in the posterior neck and extends and rotates the head to the same side. The sternocleidomastoid rotates and flexes but is anterior-lateral, levator scapulae elevates the scapula, and platysma is superficial in the neck. This muscle is key in head posture. See .
The latissimus dorsi inserts on which part of the humerus?
Olecranon fossa
Radial groove
Intertubercular groove
Deltoid tuberosity
The latissimus dorsi tendon inserts into the floor of the intertubercular (bicipital) groove of the humerus. The deltoid tuberosity is for deltoid, olecranon fossa is on the humerus distal end, and the radial groove accommodates the radial nerve. This insertion is vital for arm extension and adduction. More at .
Which muscle in the posterior hip region is the primary extensor of the thigh at the hip joint?
Gluteus minimus
Gluteus medius
Gluteus maximus
Tensor fasciae latae
Gluteus maximus is the strongest extensor of the thigh at the hip joint, especially when climbing or rising from sitting. Gluteus medius and minimus abduct and medially rotate the thigh, while tensor fasciae latae tenses the fascia lata. Understanding these functions is crucial in gait analysis. See .
Which ligament connects the posterior aspects of the ilium and sacrum?
Sacrotuberous ligament
Posterior sacroiliac ligament
Iliolumbar ligament
Anterior sacroiliac ligament
The posterior sacroiliac ligament reinforces the joint between the sacrum and ilium on the back of the pelvis. The anterior sacroiliac ligament is on the front, the sacrotuberous ligament spans from sacrum to ischial tuberosity, and the iliolumbar ligament connects the ilium and lumbar spine. This ligament stabilizes the pelvis. More at .
The popliteal artery is a direct continuation of which artery?
Posterior tibial artery
Anterior tibial artery
Popliteal vein
Femoral artery
After passing through the adductor hiatus, the femoral artery becomes the popliteal artery in the popliteal fossa. It is not a continuation of the tibial arteries or veins. This is key in peripheral vascular assessments. See .
Which dorsal root ganglion fibers mainly contribute to the formation of the sural nerve?
L4 and L5
L2 and L3
T12 and L1
S1 and S2
The sural nerve primarily contains sensory fibers from the S1 and S2 dorsal root ganglia via branches of the tibial and common fibular nerves. L4 - L5 and higher spinal roots contribute to the lumbosacral plexus but not the sural nerve. Knowing root origins is crucial in back pain diagnosis. More at .
Epaxial muscles in the posterior back derive embryologically from which part of the somite?
Ventral myotome
Dermatome
Sclerotome
Dorsal myotome
Epaxial muscles, which form the intrinsic back muscles, originate from the dorsal portion of the myotome of each somite during development. The ventral myotome gives rise to limb and body wall muscles, the sclerotome forms vertebrae and ribs, and the dermatome forms skin. This knowledge is important in developmental biology. See .
Which muscle attaches to the external occipital protuberance and adjacent nuchal lines?
Semispinalis capitis
Splenius capitis
Trapezius
Sternocleidomastoid
The trapezius muscle's upper fibers originate from the external occipital protuberance and nuchal lines. Splenius capitis and semispinalis capitis also attach in this region but more laterally, while sternocleidomastoid originates from the mastoid process. Accurate origin knowledge informs surgical landmarking. More at .
Which veins primarily drain the posterior scalp region into the dural venous sinuses?
Superficial temporal veins
Emissary veins
Occipital veins
Facial veins
Occipital veins drain the posterior scalp into the confluence of sinuses via emissary veins, but they are the primary superficial collectors. Emissary veins connect extracranial veins to dural sinuses, facial veins drain the face, and superficial temporal veins drain the lateral scalp. Understanding scalp drainage is vital in neurosurgery. See .
The suboccipital triangle is bounded by which three muscles?
Splenius capitis, levator scapulae, semispinalis capitis
Trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, splenius cervicis
Rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis superior, obliquus capitis inferior
Semispinalis capitis, longissimus capitis, splenius capitis
The suboccipital triangle is formed by the rectus capitis posterior major medially, obliquus capitis superior superolaterally, and obliquus capitis inferior inferolaterally. These muscles protect the vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve. Other muscles listed form different regions. Learn more at .
The posterior interosseous nerve is a continuation of which nerve?
Median nerve
Musculocutaneous nerve
Radial nerve
Ulnar nerve
The posterior interosseous nerve is the deep continuation of the radial nerve after it passes through the supinator muscle. It supplies most extensor muscles in the forearm. The ulnar and median nerves serve different compartments, and the musculocutaneous nerve is for anterior arm. See .
Which ligament reinforces the posterior aspect of the knee and limits hyperextension?
Oblique popliteal ligament
Patellar ligament
Anterior cruciate ligament
Arcuate popliteal ligament
The oblique popliteal ligament strengthens the posterior knee capsule and prevents hyperextension. The anterior cruciate ligament prevents anterior tibial translation, the patellar ligament connects patella to tibia, and the arcuate popliteal ligament reinforces the posterolateral capsule. Knowledge of these ligaments is key in knee surgery. More at .
Which nerve innervates the rhomboid minor muscle in the scapular region?
Long thoracic nerve
Suprascapular nerve
Dorsal scapular nerve
Accessory nerve
The dorsal scapular nerve, arising from the C5 root of the brachial plexus, innervates rhomboid minor and major muscles. The long thoracic nerve innervates serratus anterior, the accessory nerve innervates trapezius, and the suprascapular nerve serves supraspinatus and infraspinatus. Accurate nerve identification guides EMG testing. See .
The fibers of the sacrospinous ligament run from the sacrum to which bony landmark?
Anterior superior iliac spine
Ischial tuberosity
Pubic symphysis
Ischial spine
The sacrospinous ligament extends from the lateral margins of the sacrum and coccyx to the ischial spine, converting the greater sciatic notch into a foramen. It does not attach to the ischial tuberosity or pubic symphysis. This ligament is a key pelvic stabilizer. More at .
Which segment of the vertebral artery travels through the transverse foramina of C1-C6 vertebrae?
V2 segment
V3 segment
V4 segment
V1 segment
The V2 segment of the vertebral artery ascends through the transverse foramina of C6 to C1 vertebrae within the neck. The V1 segment runs from its origin to C6 transverse foramen, V3 loops around C1, and V4 is intracranial. This knowledge is crucial in cervical spine injuries. See .
Which fascial layer envelops the posterior compartment muscles of the thigh?
Fascia lata
Popliteal fascia
Crural fascia
Iliotibial tract
The fascia lata is the deep fascia of the thigh that encloses anterior, medial, and posterior compartments. The iliotibial tract is a thickened lateral band of fascia lata, crural fascia is in the leg, and popliteal fascia covers the popliteal fossa. Recognizing these layers is vital in compartment syndrome. More at .
The primary action of the erector spinae muscle group is to extend which structure?
Vertebral column
Femur
Head
Scapula
The erector spinae group (iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis) extends the vertebral column and maintains posture. While these muscles can assist in head extension, their primary role is spine extension. They do not act on the femur or scapula directly. Understanding this guides back therapy. See .
Which arteries supply blood to the erector spinae muscles?
Anterior intercostal arteries
Internal thoracic arteries
Subclavian arteries
Dorsal branches of posterior intercostal arteries
The dorsal branches of the posterior intercostal arteries supply the intrinsic back muscles, including the erector spinae. Anterior intercostals supply chest wall, subclavian is a major upstream vessel, and internal thoracic arteries run anteriorly. Proper vascular knowledge helps in reconstructive surgery. More at .
Which bony landmark separates the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae on the scapula?
Spine of scapula
Glenoid tubercle
Coracoid process
Acromion
The spine of the scapula runs transversely across the posterior surface, dividing it into supraspinous and infraspinous fossae. The acromion is the lateral extension of the spine, the coracoid process is anterior, and the glenoid tubercle is part of the socket. This landmark is crucial in shoulder examinations. See .
A tear in which posterior ligament of the pelvis would most directly destabilize the sacroiliac joint?
Posterior sacroiliac ligament
Anterior sacroiliac ligament
Iliolumbar ligament
Sacrotuberous ligament
The posterior sacroiliac ligament is the primary stabilizer of the sacroiliac joint on its dorsal side. A tear here leads directly to instability. The anterior sacroiliac ligament supports the front, while iliolumbar and sacrotuberous ligaments stabilize other pelvic regions. For in-depth detail, see .
Injury to which nerve within the popliteal fossa most commonly results in a foot drop?
Sural nerve
Common fibular (peroneal) nerve
Tibial nerve
Sciatic nerve
The common fibular (peroneal) nerve wraps laterally around the fibular neck in the popliteal region and innervates dorsiflexors of the foot. Damage leads to foot drop. The tibial nerve supplies plantarflexors, the sciatic divides into these branches more proximally, and the sural nerve is purely sensory. More at .
An L5 - S1 disc herniation compressing the most inferior nerve root in the vertebral canal would likely affect which root?
L5 root
L4 root
S2 root
S1 root
In the lumbar spine, an L5 - S1 herniation compresses the S1 root as it exits below the S1 pedicle. L5 root exits above the disc, S2 is lower, and L4 exits higher. Identifying the correct root is vital in neurosurgical planning. See .
Which tendon in the posterior compartment of the leg passes through the tarsal tunnel medially behind the medial malleolus?
Achilles tendon
Tibialis posterior
Flexor digitorum longus
Peroneus longus
The tibialis posterior tendon passes through the tarsal tunnel posterior to the medial malleolus and supports the medial arch. The Achilles tendon is posterior but not in the tunnel, flexor digitorum longus also passes but is second in the tunnel, and peroneus longus is lateral. This path is key in tarsal tunnel syndrome. More at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Posterior Body Regions -

    Use key anatomical landmarks to recognize and name major posterior body regions, enhancing your grasp of the posterior of the body.

  2. Describe the Antebrachial Body Region -

    Explain the location and boundaries of the antebrachial body region to master this specific posterior area.

  3. Distinguish Anterior and Posterior Body Areas -

    Compare and contrast anterior and posterior body regions to clarify their spatial relationships and terminology.

  4. Recall Anatomical Terms for Body Regions Posterior -

    Memorize and use correct terminology for various posterior body regions, improving precision in anatomical descriptions.

  5. Apply Knowledge to Anatomical Diagrams -

    Label diagrams of the back and limbs to demonstrate accurate identification of posterior body regions.

  6. Analyze Relationships Among Posterior Body Regions -

    Examine how different posterior regions connect and interact to build a cohesive understanding of body regions posterior.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Comprehensive Posterior Body Regions -

    Review the major zones of the posterior of the body - the scapular, vertebral, lumbar, gluteal, and popliteal regions - as defined in the Terminologia Anatomica. A handy mnemonic is "SVLGP" pronounced "sev-leg-pee" to remember Scapular, Vertebral, Lumbar, Gluteal, Popliteal in order. These landmarks serve as foundational reference points in clinical and educational settings (Gray's Anatomy, 41st Ed.).

  2. Differentiating Dorsal and Ventral -

    Mastering orientation terms is key to navigating body regions posterior versus anterior. "Dorsal" refers to the back (posterior of the body) and "ventral" to the front, with dorsal body cavities housing the brain and spinal cord (NIH). To solidify memory, think "dorsal fin" on a shark's back as a visual cue for the posterior plane.

  3. Focus on the Antebrachial Body Region -

    The antebrachial body region identifies the forearm area between the elbow (olecranal) and the wrist, specifically on the posterior surface in the anatomical position. According to the University of Michigan's Anatomy Department, this region contains the extensor muscle group and the radial nerve, commonly assessed in reflex tests. Remember "ante-" meaning before and "brachial" meaning arm to pinpoint the forearm.

  4. Clinical Importance of Posterior Injection Sites -

    Understanding body regions posterior is crucial for safe intramuscular injections, particularly in the dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal areas to avoid nerve damage (CDC Guidelines). The dorsogluteal site sits in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal region, while the ventrogluteal region is preferred for reduced sciatic nerve risk. Clinicians use the "V method" - index finger on the anterior superior iliac spine and middle finger along the iliac crest - to locate a safe triangle.

  5. Antagonistic Muscle Pairs: Anterior and Posterior Body Synergy -

    Studying how anterior and posterior body muscles work in opposition, like the biceps (anterior brachial) versus the triceps (posterior brachial), clarifies functional anatomy (Gray's Anatomy). This relationship applies across regions, such as quadriceps and hamstrings at the knee joint, emphasizing coordinated movement. A quick mnemonic "Flex Forward, Extend Back" helps recall flexors on the front and extensors on the back.

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