Which term refers to the sole of the foot?

• A. Palmar
• B. Posterior
• C. Plantar
• D. Proximal

Answer: (C)

Anatomical terminology for body surfaces and directions is about naming the specific surfaces of limbs. The term for the sole of the foot is plantar. Plantar refers to the bottom surface of the foot—the part that contacts the ground. It’s paired conceptually with palmar, which is the palm of the hand. The plantar surface is opposite the dorsal surface, which is the top of the foot. Other terms here: palmar describes the palm, posterior means toward the back, and proximal means closer to the trunk or the point of origin. So plantar is the correct term for the sole of the foot.