In anatomical position, the lungs are ________ to the heart.

• A. Posterior
• B. Superior
• C. Lateral
• D. Medial

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the anatomical position, which is the standard reference position where the body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.
2. Step 2: Identify the location of the heart in the thoracic cavity; it is situated more towards the midline of the body, slightly left of center.
3. Step 3: Identify the location of the lungs; they are located on either side of the heart, occupying the lateral parts of the thoracic cavity.
4. Step 4: Recall the anatomical directional terms: 'medial' means toward the midline, 'lateral' means away from the midline, 'posterior' means toward the back, and 'superior' means above.
5. Step 5: Since the lungs are positioned on the sides of the heart, away from the midline, the correct directional term describing their position relative to the heart is 'lateral'.