Dorsal vs. Posterior — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 14, 2024
Dorsal refers to the back side of an organism, while posterior denotes the rear or tail end, highlighting orientation and position.
Difference Between Dorsal and Posterior
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dorsal is a term primarily used in anatomy to describe the back or upper side of an organism, especially when discussing animals. This term is often used in the context of animals with a clear dorsal-ventral orientation, such as fish or humans when in the anatomical position. Whereas, posterior is used to indicate the rear or tail end of an organism, focusing more on the backside in relation to the head-tail direction, common in both humans and animals.
In the context of human anatomy, dorsal can refer to the backside of the body, such as the dorsal surface of the hand (the back of the hand). On the other hand, posterior is used to denote structures towards the back of the body, such as the posterior part of the brain, indicating its position relative to the rest of the body.
Dorsal originates from the Latin word "dorsum," meaning back, highlighting its association with the back side of organisms. This term is versatile and can be applied to various parts of the body that align with the back or upper side. Whereas posterior comes from the Latin word "posterior," meaning coming after, which emphasizes its use in describing parts of the body that are situated towards the rear or come after others in a head-to-tail orientation.
In botanical terms, dorsal is used to describe the back side of a leaf or flower, the side that faces away from the stem and towards the primary light source. On the other hand, the term posterior is not commonly used in plant morphology, as plants do not have a clear head-tail orientation like animals.
In some contexts, dorsal and posterior can be used interchangeably, especially in creatures with a less distinct dorsal-ventral orientation. However, it's important to consider the specific anatomical context to choose the most accurate term.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to the back or upper side of an organism.
Denotes the rear or tail end of an organism.
Common Usage
Used in animals with a clear dorsal-ventral orientation.
Used to indicate the backside in relation to the head-tail direction.
Human Anatomy
Relates to the backside of the body, like the dorsal surface of the hand.
Refers to structures towards the back, like the posterior part of the brain.
Etymology
Comes from Latin "dorsum," meaning back.
Comes from Latin "posterior," meaning coming after.
Botanical Usage
Describes the back side of a leaf or flower.
Not commonly used in plant morphology.
Compare with Definitions
Dorsal
Pertaining to the back side of an organism.
The dorsal fin of the shark is an iconic silhouette.
Posterior
Indicating the rear or back part of the body.
The posterior muscles of the thigh are commonly known as the hamstrings.
Dorsal
Used in reference to certain body parts when in anatomical position.
The dorsal side of the hand is where the knuckles are visible.
Posterior
Used to describe something coming after in time or order.
The posterior events in the timeline were crucial to understanding the outcome.
Dorsal
Describes a position or orientation relative to the backside.
The dorsal stripe on the animal ran along its back.
Posterior
In human anatomy, refers to the backside of the body.
The posterior side of the body includes the back and buttocks.
Dorsal
Related to the upper surface in quadrupeds.
The dog had a unique pattern on its dorsal coat.
Posterior
Refers to the tail end in anatomical terms.
The posterior part of the worm was slightly darker.
Dorsal
(Anatomy) Of, toward, on, in, or near the back or upper surface of an organ, part, or organism.
Posterior
Describes a position towards the rear relative to another part.
The posterior teeth are more involved in grinding food.
Dorsal
(Botany) Of or on the surface of an organ or part facing away from the axis; abaxial.
Posterior
Located behind a part or toward the rear of a structure.
Dorsal
With respect to, or concerning the side in which the backbone is located, or the analogous side of an invertebrate.
Posterior
Relating to the caudal end of the body in quadrupeds or the back of the body in humans and other primates.
Dorsal
(anatomy) Relating to the top surface of the foot or hand.
Posterior
(Botany) Next to or facing the main stem or axis.
Dorsal
Produced using the dorsum of the tongue.
Posterior
Coming after in order; following.
Dorsal
Having only one sharp side.
Posterior
Following in time; subsequent.
Dorsal
(botany) Relating to the surface naturally inferior, as of a leaf.
Posterior
The buttocks.
Dorsal
(botany) Relating to the surface naturally superior, as of a creeping hepatic moss.
Posterior
(anatomy) Nearer the rear or hind end; nearer the caudal end of the body in quadrupeds or the dorsal end in bipeds.
Dorsal
(art) A hanging, usually of rich stuff, at the back of a throne, altar, etc.
Posterior
(medicine) Relating to or denoting presentation of a fetus in which the rear or caudal end is nearest the cervix and emerges first at birth.
Dorsal
Any of the longitudinal series of plates that encircle the body, excluding the ventral scales.
Posterior
(botany) Next to, or facing the main stem or axis.
Dorsal
(linguistics) A sound produced using the dorsum of the tongue.
Posterior
(formal) Following in order or in time.
Dorsal
Pertaining to, or situated near, the back, or dorsum, of an animal or of one of its parts; notal; tergal; neural; as, the dorsal fin of a fish; the dorsal artery of the tongue; - opposed to ventral.
Posterior
The hinder parts of the body.
Dorsal
Pertaining to the surface naturally inferior, as of a leaf.
Posterior
(maths) The probability that a hypothesis is true (calculated by Bayes' theorem).
Dorsal
A hanging, usually of rich stuff, at the back of a throne, or of an altar, or in any similar position.
Posterior
Later in time; hence, later in the order of proceeding or moving; coming after; - opposed to prior.
Hesiod was posterior to Homer.
Dorsal
Belonging to or on or near the back or upper surface of an animal or organ or part;
The dorsal fin is the vertical fin on the back of a fish and certain marine mammals
Posterior
Situated behind; hinder; - opposed to anterior.
Dorsal
Facing away from the axis of an organ or organism;
The abaxial surface of a leaf is the underside or side facing away from the stem
Posterior
At or toward the caudal extremity; caudal; - in human anatomy often used for dorsal.
Dorsal
In botany, refers to the side of a leaf or organ away from the stem.
The dorsal surface of the leaf turned towards the light.
Posterior
On the side next the axis of inflorescence; - said of an axillary flower.
Posterior
The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on;
He deserves a good kick in the butt
Are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
Posterior
A tooth situated at the back of the mouth
Posterior
At or near the hind end in quadrupeds or toward the spine in primates
Common Curiosities
Can dorsal and posterior be used interchangeably?
In certain contexts, they can be used interchangeably, especially in organisms with a less distinct dorsal-ventral orientation, but it's important to consider the specific anatomical context.
What does posterior mean in human anatomy?
In human anatomy, posterior refers to structures towards the back of the body, such as the posterior part of the brain.
What is an example of a dorsal body part in humans?
The dorsal surface of the hand, the side opposite the palm, is an example of a dorsal body part in humans.
xWhat does dorsal mean?
Dorsal refers to the back or upper side of an organism, particularly in relation to its anatomical position.
Is dorsal used in botany?
Yes, dorsal is used in botany to describe the side of a leaf or flower that faces away from the stem.
Can dorsal refer to the top side of an object or structure?
Yes, dorsal can refer to the top or upper side of an object or structure, especially in anatomical and biological contexts.
How do posterior muscles in the thigh function?
The posterior muscles in the thigh, known as hamstrings, are crucial for knee flexion and hip extension movements.
How do posterior events in a timeline influence outcomes?
Posterior events in a timeline can be crucial for understanding the outcomes by providing context and sequence to preceding events.
How is posterior different from dorsal?
Posterior denotes the rear or tail end of an organism, emphasizing its position towards the back in a head-tail orientation, unlike dorsal which refers to the upper side.
What is the etymology of dorsal?
Dorsal comes from the Latin word "dorsum," meaning back, highlighting its association with the back side of organisms.
What role does the dorsal surface of the leaf play?
The dorsal surface of the leaf often plays a role in photosynthesis and may be oriented towards the primary light source.
What is the significance of the dorsal fin in sharks?
The dorsal fin helps in stabilizing the shark in the water and is a recognizable feature of their silhouette.
What is the dorsal side of the hand known for?
The dorsal side of the hand is known for its visibility of knuckles and is opposite to the palm.
Are there any specific posterior plants parts?
The term posterior is not commonly used in plant morphology due to the lack of a clear head-tail orientation in plants.
Why is understanding the distinction between dorsal and posterior important?
Understanding the distinction is important for accurate anatomical description, orientation, and communication in both medical and biological contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
