Dorsal facts for kids
The word dorsal is used in anatomy to describe a specific side of an animal's body. It helps scientists and doctors talk clearly about where things are located.
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What Does 'Dorsal' Mean?
The term dorsal comes from the Latin word dorsum, which means "back". In biology, it refers to the back or upper side of an animal.
Dorsal in Different Animals
The exact meaning of "dorsal" can depend on how an animal moves:
- For animals that run, fly, or swim forward, like a fish or a dog, the dorsal side is usually their top side.
- For animals that walk upright, like humans, the dorsal side is their back.
Examples of Dorsal Parts
- In vertebrates (animals with a backbone), the dorsal side is where the backbone is found.
- A great example is the dorsal fin on a fish. This is the fin located on the fish's back.
- In humans, the top of your foot is considered the dorsal part of your foot.
Dorsal's Opposite: Ventral
The opposite of dorsal is ventral. This term describes the belly or lower side of an animal. So, if dorsal is the back, ventral is the front or underside.
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Dorsal Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.