Cranial vs. Causal meaning.

• A. Cranial means toward the tail.
• B. Cranial means toward the head.
• C. Cranial means toward the bottom.
• D. Cranial means toward the spine.

Answer: (B)

In anatomy we use directional terms to describe positions along the body’s length. Cranial means toward the head. The opposite end is the tail, described as caudal. So along the main axis of the body, cranial directs you toward the head, while caudal directs you toward the tail. In humans, other directions map to different terms: toward the bottom is inferior (or ventral), and toward the spine is dorsal/posterior. Therefore, cranial correctly means toward the head.