Postérieures

Postérieures is a French term used in anatomy and medicine to describe structures situated toward the back of the body or of a given organ, i.e., the posterior aspect. It functions as a plural feminine noun and adjective; the masculine singular form is postérieur, the masculine plural postérieurs. In descriptions, writers specify postérieures in relation to anterior structures (antérieures), as well as in the medial–lateral and proximal–distal axes. The term encompasses any posterior-oriented surface or portion, including the posterior wall of the thorax, the posterior aspect of the brain, or posterior portions of limbs in anatomical descriptions. In clinical notes, postérieures may be contrasted with antérieures to clarify surgical approaches and radiological interpretations, such as posterior approaches to joints or posterior wall fractures.

In dentistry, postérieures refers to the posterior teeth, namely the premolars and molars, which are positioned behind the canines. These teeth function primarily in grinding and mastication, and their anatomy—such as multiple cusps and larger occlusal surfaces—differs from that of the anterior dentition. The term is used in orthodontics, prosthodontics, and cariology to describe problems, procedures, or imaging focused on the back part of the dental arch.

Etymology and usage: postérieures derives from Latin posterior, meaning situated behind. The term is widely used in French-language medical writing to denote posterior aspects and is understood in relation to antérieures and other directional descriptors in specific contexts.