In anatomical terminology, what does "ventral" refer to?

In anatomical terminology, "ventral" refers to the front surface of the body. This term is derived from Latin, where it means "belly." In a human anatomical context, "ventral" is used to describe structures located towards the anterior or front of the body. For example, the chest, face, and abdomen are considered ventral regions in humans.

This terminology is particularly important in understanding the relative positions of various body parts and coordinates within a medical context, as it provides a clear descriptor that is consistent regardless of body position (upright or lying down). Understanding the concept of ventral helps in accurately identifying locations for medical assessments, procedures, and documentation.