Final answer:
The term 'dorsal' pertains to the back of the body, synonymous with 'posterior', and is the opposite of 'ventral' or 'anterior', which describe the front or belly side.
Step-by-step explanation:
In anatomical terminology, dorsal pertains to the back of the body. This is the opposite of ventral, which refers to the front or belly side. In humans and other bipeds, the dorsal surfaces would be the back, while in quadrupeds, it refers to the upper side. The term dorsal is thus synonymous with posterior when referring to the direction toward the back of the body. For example, the dorsal cavity is a posterior body cavity that includes the cranial and spinal cavities, located at the back, housing the brain and spinal cord.