In anatomical terms, what is the opposite of anterior?

The opposite of anterior in anatomical terms is posterior. Anterior refers to the front of the body, while posterior refers to the back. This terminology is used to accurately describe the location of body parts in relation to one another. For example, the sternum (breastbone) is anterior to the heart, meaning it is located at the front, whereas the spine is posterior to the heart, indicating its position at the back. Understanding these directional terms is crucial in the medical and healthcare fields for clear communication regarding anatomy and patient care.

Inferior, medial, and lateral describe different orientations. Inferior refers to something that is below another structure, medial pertains to being closer to the midline of the body, and lateral means being further away from the midline. While these terms are important in anatomy, they do not directly relate to the opposition of anterior specifically.