dorzális

Dorzális is a term used in anatomy and biology to describe the position or direction that is on, towards, or relating to the back of an organism. In terrestrial vertebrates, it generally refers to the upper side of the body, which is typically the side that faces upwards when the animal is standing. For example, the dorsal fin of a fish is located on its back. Similarly, the dorsal side of a leaf is the side that faces away from the stem or ground.

The opposite of dorsal is ventral, which refers to the direction towards the belly or the underside of an organism. Understanding the dorsal and ventral aspects is crucial for describing anatomical structures and their relative positions. For instance, in humans, the dorsal side of the hand is the back of the hand, while the ventral side is the palm. This directional terminology helps in precise communication within scientific fields like zoology, botany, and medicine. The term originates from the Latin word "dorsum," meaning "back."