Dorsoventral

/ˌdɔːsoʊˈvɛntrəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to both the back and the belly or underside, describing a front-to-back axis or relationship.

Etymology

From Latin 'dorsum' (back) + 'ventralis' (relating to belly, from 'ventris'). Combines two opposite directional descriptors.

Kelly Says

The dorsoventral axis is one of the three main ways a body is organized—it explains why your heart is in the front but your spine is in the back.

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