Plantar vs. Dorsal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
Plantar refers to the sole of the foot, while Dorsal refers to the back or upper surface of an organism.
Difference Between Plantar and Dorsal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plantar is a term primarily associated with the bottom or sole region of the foot. Dorsal, on the other hand, often denotes the back or upper surface of an organism, be it human or animal.
The plantar surface is what touches the ground when you stand or walk. The dorsal side is what you'd see if you looked at the top of your hand or foot.
Plantar fasciitis, a common foot ailment, is pain in the plantar region of the foot. On the other side, dorsal can refer to structures like the dorsal fin of a fish.
When a doctor examines the plantar aspect of your foot, they're checking the bottom. When examining the dorsal aspect, they'd be looking at the top.
In reflexology, the plantar side of the foot is of significant interest. However, in terms of body orientation in animals like fish, the dorsal side is key to understanding their anatomy.
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Comparison Chart
Location
Sole or bottom of the foot.
Back or upper surface of an organism.
Common Reference
Plantar fasciitis
Dorsal fin
In Anatomy
Pertains to structures on foot's sole
Pertains to structures on body's upper side
In Reflexology
Main focus area
Rarely mentioned
In Orientation
Downwards, towards the ground.
Upwards, towards the sky or water surface.
Compare with Definitions
Plantar
Pertaining to the bottom surface of the foot.
He had a plantar injury after stepping on a sharp object.
Dorsal
Denoting structures on the body's upper or back region.
The dorsal artery provides blood to the foot's top side.
Plantar
Relating to the sole of the foot.
The plantar wart was quite painful.
Dorsal
Pertaining to the back or upper side of an organism.
The dolphin's dorsal fin is easily recognizable.
Plantar
Of or concerning the plantar region.
Plantar pressure was measured during her gait analysis.
Dorsal
Referring to the top surface of a body part.
The dorsal side of the hand is opposite the palm.
Plantar
Referring to the underside of the foot.
The plantar nerve provides sensation to the foot's sole.
Dorsal
Concerning the side opposite the belly or underside.
The fish swam away, displaying its shimmering dorsal colors.
Plantar
Associated with the foot's ground-facing side.
Plantar exercises can help alleviate foot pain.
Dorsal
Of or related to the back side.
Dorsal muscles are crucial for maintaining posture.
Plantar
Of, relating to, or occurring on the sole of the foot
Plantar warts.
Dorsal
(Anatomy) Of, toward, on, in, or near the back or upper surface of an organ, part, or organism.
Plantar
(anatomy) Relating to the sole of the foot.
A plantar wart
Dorsal
(Botany) Of or on the surface of an organ or part facing away from the axis; abaxial.
Plantar
Of or pertaining to the sole of the foot; as, the plantar arteries.
Dorsal
With respect to, or concerning the side in which the backbone is located, or the analogous side of an invertebrate.
Plantar
Relating to or occurring on the undersurface of the foot;
Plantar warts can be very painful
Dorsal
(anatomy) Relating to the top surface of the foot or hand.
Dorsal
Produced using the dorsum of the tongue.
Dorsal
Having only one sharp side.
Dorsal
(botany) Relating to the surface naturally inferior, as of a leaf.
Dorsal
(botany) Relating to the surface naturally superior, as of a creeping hepatic moss.
Dorsal
(art) A hanging, usually of rich stuff, at the back of a throne, altar, etc.
Dorsal
Any of the longitudinal series of plates that encircle the body, excluding the ventral scales.
Dorsal
(linguistics) A sound produced using the dorsum of the tongue.
Dorsal
Pertaining to, or situated near, the back, or dorsum, of an animal or of one of its parts; notal; tergal; neural; as, the dorsal fin of a fish; the dorsal artery of the tongue; - opposed to ventral.
Dorsal
Pertaining to the surface naturally inferior, as of a leaf.
Dorsal
A hanging, usually of rich stuff, at the back of a throne, or of an altar, or in any similar position.
Dorsal
Belonging to or on or near the back or upper surface of an animal or organ or part;
The dorsal fin is the vertical fin on the back of a fish and certain marine mammals
Dorsal
Facing away from the axis of an organ or organism;
The abaxial surface of a leaf is the underside or side facing away from the stem
Common Curiosities
What does plantar mean?
Plantar refers to the sole or bottom of the foot.
Can plantar be used for areas other than the foot?
Plantar is primarily associated with the foot's sole or underside.
Is dorsal always used to describe the backside of animals?
Mostly, but it can also refer to the upper or back side of body parts, such as the hand.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick tissue band on the foot's bottom.
What does a dorsal fin do for a fish?
The dorsal fin helps in stability while swimming.
Is plantar pressure important in gait analysis?
Yes, plantar pressure provides insights into foot function and potential abnormalities during walking.
What connects the heel and toes on the plantar side?
The plantar fascia, a band of tissue, connects the heel and toes on the plantar side.
Are there muscles on the dorsal side of the foot?
Yes, there are dorsal muscles on the foot's top side.
Where can you find the term dorsal used often?
Dorsal is frequently used in reference to the back or upper side of organisms, like the dorsal fin of a fish.
What is a plantar wart?
A plantar wart is a growth on the foot's sole, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Can humans have dorsal ailments?
Yes, humans can have issues related to the dorsal side of certain body parts, like the dorsal side of the hand.
Do all fish have dorsal fins?
Most fish have dorsal fins, but their size, shape, and number can vary among species.
Are dorsal and ventral opposite terms?
Yes, while dorsal refers to the back or upper side, ventral refers to the belly or underside.
Is the dorsal side of the hand the same as the back of the hand?
Yes, the dorsal side of the hand is the same as the back of the hand.
Can plantar refer to the anatomy of other organisms?
While commonly used for humans, plantar can technically describe the sole region in other animals with feet.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
