What does "ventral" refer to in anatomical terms?

In anatomical terminology, "ventral" is used to describe the front side of the body. This term is derived from the Latin word "venter," which means belly. In the standard anatomical position, where an individual stands upright with their arms at their sides and palms facing forward, the ventral aspect refers to the front of the body, including structures such as the chest and abdomen. This definition is essential for understanding human anatomy, as it establishes a consistent point of reference for describing the location of various organs and structures relative to one another.