When referring to anatomical positions, which term is opposite of 'ventral'?

The term that is opposite of "ventral" is "dorsal." In anatomical terminology, "ventral" refers to the front or belly side of the body, while "dorsal" refers to the back side of the body. This distinction is fundamental in the study of anatomy as it helps to describe the locations of structures in relation to one another.

For instance, in humans, the chest and abdomen are considered ventral, whereas the back is considered dorsal. This directional terminology is crucial for clear communication in the medical field, ensuring that professionals can accurately describe where injuries or conditions occur relative to the body’s orientation.

Other terms like "superior," "inferior," and "proximal" refer to different anatomical relationships. "Superior" means closer to the head, "inferior" refers to a position closer to the feet, and "proximal" denotes a position closer to a point of attachment or the trunk of the body. These terms serve different purposes within anatomical description but do not directly contrast with "ventral." Thus, "dorsal" is the correct choice as it directly opposes the meaning of "ventral."