'dorso-posterior' originates from Latin, specifically the words 'dorsum' and 'posterior', where 'dorsum' meant 'back' and 'posterior' meant 'coming after' or 'behind'.

'dorso-posterior' is a modern anatomical formation combining Latin-derived elements: 'dorso-' (from 'dorsum' via forms like 'dorsal') and 'posterior' (from Latin 'posterior'); the compound arose in scientific/medical English to specify position by referencing both dorsal and posterior aspects.

Initially Latin roots separately referred to 'back' and 'after/behind'; over time their combination in modern usage came to mean specifically 'toward the back and rear' in anatomical descriptions.