What term describes the position toward the back of the body?

The term that describes the position toward the back of the body is "dorsal." In anatomical terminology, the dorsal aspect is associated with the back or posterior portion of the organism. This term is derived from the Latin word "dorsum," which means "back."

Understanding the orientation of body parts is crucial in anatomy. The dorsal position is often referenced when discussing structures in relation to one another, particularly in both humans and quadrupedal animals, where the terms anterior (front) and posterior (back) are equally important for defining locations. This terminology is consistent across various body systems and is fundamental for medical professionals when describing injuries, conditions, or anatomical studies.

The other terms involve different orientations. For instance, "medial" refers to a position closer to the midline of the body; "rostral" indicates a position toward the nose or mouth (used primarily in relation to the head); and "lateral" signifies a position farther from the midline or towards the sides of the body. Each of these terms helps provide a precise description of anatomical features, but they do not define a position related to the back of the body like "dorsal" does.