Ventral

/ˈvɛntrəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Pertaining to the belly or abdomen; relating to the front or anterior part of an organism.

The ventral fins of the fish help stabilize its movement in the water.

Situated on or directed toward the underside; usually in reference to anatomical structures.

The ventral aspect of the human brain is crucial for various functions.

In botany, relating to the surface of a plant that faces the ground.

The ventral surface of the leaf is typically where the stomata are located.

From Latin 'ventralis' derived from 'venter', meaning 'belly'.

ventral nerve cord

The primary nervous structure found in many invertebrates, located on the belly side.

ventral surface

The underside or lower surface of an organism.

dorsal

Relating to the back side of an organism.

lateral

Pertaining to the sides of an organism.

Used in anatomical slang to describe anything belly-side.

When describing a critter, I just say check the ventral side.