What term is used to describe the back side of the body?

The term used to describe the back side of the body is "dorsal." In anatomical terminology, structures that are dorsal are those located toward the back. This term is commonly used in both human anatomy and in the anatomy of other animals, particularly when discussing the relative positions of parts.

In contrast, the term "ventral" refers to the front side of the body, making it the opposite of dorsal. "Medial" indicates a position that is closer to the midline of the body, while "lateral" refers to a position that is farther away from the midline. Understanding these terms is essential for accurately describing anatomical locations and orientations relative to one another. Knowing that "dorsal" specifically denotes the back side allows for clarity in communication within the medical and biological sciences.