Answer:
Option C, dorsal
Explanation:
The anatomical term 'dorsal' is composed to the root phrase 'dors/o-' and the suffix '-al'.
The suffix '-al' simply means pertaining to whatever structure is referenced by the preceding root phrase. As can be observed, three of the four answer choices employ this suffix.
The root phrase 'dors/o-', derived from the Latin word "dorsum," refers to the back of something.
Together, this root phrase and suffix combine to form its definition: dorsal means pertaining to the back. Therefore, it does not refer to "the front" and is the correct answer choice, option C.
The term 'dorsal' does not refer to 'the front' of the body; it indicates the back side. 'Anterior' and 'ventral' both refer to the front, whereas 'dorsal' is the opposite. The correct option is c) dorsal.
In anatomy, various terms are used to describe the location or position of structures within the body relative to other structures. Among these, anterior (or ventral) and dorsal are critical for indicating specific areas. The term
anterior or ventral refers to the front or direction toward the front of the body. For instance, the chest is anterior to the spine. The term
dorsal, on the other hand, denotes the back or direction toward the back of the body; in humans, the spine is dorsal to the chest. Therefore, to answer the question, the option that does not refer to "the front" is c) dorsal, as it indicates the back side of the body.