In anatomy, what does the term 'dorsal' signify?

In anatomy, the term 'dorsal' refers to the back side of an organism. This terminology is often used in comparison to other directional terms that describe positions in relation to the body’s layout. For instance, in humans and many animals, 'dorsal' refers to the upper side (or back) while 'ventral' refers to the lower side (or belly). This distinction is crucial in medical and anatomical contexts, as it helps accurately describe the location of structures in the body. Understanding these terms allows for clear communication regarding anatomy, especially in fields such as medicine, physiology, and sports science.