ventrální

Ventrální is a Czech adjective meaning ventral, relating to the belly or front side of an organism. It is used primarily in anatomy and zoology to describe positions, surfaces, or structures located toward the ventral (belly) side, in contrast to dorsální, which denotes the back or upper side. In humans, ventrální roughly corresponds to the anterior or front aspect, whereas in many four-legged animals it refers to the underside or belly.

Etymology and scope: the term derives from Latin ventralis, from venter “belly.” While ventrální is common in scientific descriptions, in everyday human anatomy the more familiar term is přední (anterior). The distinction between ventrální and dorsální is especially important when describing orientation in different organisms, as anatomical directions can shift with posture and locomotion.

Examples of usage: ventrální plocha (ventral surface) of an organ or body part, ventrální strana břicha (ventral/abdominal side), ventrální kořen míšní (ventral spinal root), and ventrální roh míchy (ventral horn of the spinal cord). In veterinary and comparative anatomy, ventrální is frequently used to denote the side toward the belly in animals with horizontal or upright postures.

See also: Dorsální, anteriér/přední, orientation in anatomy, comparative anatomy.