Answers Portage Learning | 2026/2027 Edition.
DOMAIN 1: Anatomical Position, Directional Terms & Regional Anatomy (10 Questions)
Question 1 — Multiple-Choice (Image/Model Based)
A proctored lab image shows a human figure standing in the standard anatomical position. The
figure stands erect, feet flat on the floor, arms at the sides, and palms facing anteriorly. A pin is
placed on the anterior surface of the hand. Based on the standard anatomical position, the
palmar surface of the hand is facing:
A) Posteriorly (toward the back) B) Laterally (away from the midline) C) Anteriorly (forward)
[CORRECT] D) Inferiorly (toward the feet)
Rationale: In the standard anatomical position, the subject stands erect with the hands and feet
flat and the palms turned facing anteriorly (forward). The precise visual cue on the model is that
the thumb is positioned laterally and the palm faces forward, which is the universal anatomical
reference position used to eliminate positional ambiguity.
Question 2 — True/False
In the standard anatomical position, the feet are positioned with the soles facing inferiorly
(toward the ground) and the toes pointing anteriorly.
True [CORRECT] / False
Rationale: The standard anatomical reference position specifies that the subject stands erect
with the feet flat (plantar surface facing inferiorly toward the ground) and the toes pointing
anteriorly (forward). The precise visual cue on the model is the flat-footed stance with the
plantar surface in contact with the ground and the toes directed anteriorly, which is a defining
feature of the anatomical position.
Question 3 — Fill-in-the-Blank
A lab model is positioned in the standard anatomical position. The arms are at the sides with
the palms facing __________, and the feet are flat with the toes pointing __________.
Answer: anteriorly (forward); anteriorly (forward) [CORRECT]
, Rationale: The universal anatomical reference position specifies that the subject stands erect
with the hands and feet flat (supine) and the palms turned facing anteriorly (forward). The
precise visual cue on the model is the forward-facing palm orientation and the anteriorly
directed toes, both of which are essential components of the standard anatomical position used
to establish consistent directional terminology.
Sub-Topic: Directional Terms (4 Questions)
Question 4 — Multiple-Choice (Image/Model Based)
On a pinned anatomical model, a pin is placed on the wrist and another pin is placed on the
elbow. In anatomical directional terminology, the wrist is __________ to the elbow.
A) Proximal (closer to the point of attachment) B) Distal (farther from the point of attachment)
[CORRECT] C) Medial (closer to the midline) D) Superior (above)
Rationale: The wrist is distal to the elbow, meaning it is farther from the point of attachment of
the limb to the trunk. The precise visual cue on the model is that the elbow is closer to the
shoulder (the proximal attachment point of the upper limb), while the wrist is located farther
down the limb, away from the trunk. Distal always refers to a structure being farther from the
trunk or point of origin.
Question 5 — Multiple-Choice (Image/Model Based)
A proctored lab image shows a sagittal view of the head and neck. A pin is placed on the nose,
and another pin is placed on the ear. The nose is __________ to the ear.
A) Posterior (toward the back) B) Lateral (away from the midline) C) Anterior (toward the front)
[CORRECT] D) Inferior (below)
Rationale: The nose is anterior to the ear, meaning it is located toward the front of the body
relative to the ear. The precise visual cue on the model is that the nose projects anteriorly from
the facial region, while the ear is positioned on the lateral aspect of the head. Anterior (ventral)
refers to the front of the body, and in the anatomical position, the face and nose are the most
anterior structures of the head.
Question 6 — True/False