Terms that apply to the backside of the body in the anatomical position include:
a. Ventral; anterior
b. Back; rear
c. Posterior; dorsal
d. Medial; lateral

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the anatomical position, which is the standard reference position in anatomy where the body is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.
2. Step 2: Recall that terms describing the backside of the body refer to the posterior or dorsal aspects. 'Posterior' means toward the back, and 'dorsal' also refers to the back side.
3. Step 3: Review the options given: (a) Ventral and anterior both refer to the front side of the body, so they do not apply to the backside.
4. Step 4: Option (b) uses common language terms 'back' and 'rear', which are informal but generally refer to the backside; however, in anatomical terminology, more precise terms are preferred.
5. Step 5: Option (c) uses 'posterior' and 'dorsal', which are the correct anatomical terms for the backside of the body, while (d) 'medial' and 'lateral' refer to positions relative to the midline and sides, not specifically the back.

Key Concepts

Anatomical Position

The anatomical position is a standard reference posture where the body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. This position is used to describe locations and directions on the body consistently.

Directional Terms: Posterior and Dorsal

Posterior and dorsal refer to the backside of the body in the anatomical position. 'Posterior' means toward the back, while 'dorsal' is often used interchangeably, especially in animals, to indicate the back or upper side.

Directional Terms: Ventral, Anterior, Medial, and Lateral

Ventral and anterior refer to the front or belly side of the body, opposite to posterior and dorsal. Medial means toward the midline of the body, while lateral means away from the midline, describing side-to-side positions.