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Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Body Regions and Directional Terms

Anatomical position

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

phraseCore term

In anatomy & physiology, anatomical position means: The standard reference posture used to describe the body: standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with the palms facing forward, and feet together.

In Turkish: anatomik pozisyon, anatomik duruş

How it is used

All directional terms (anterior, medial, proximal and so on) assume the body is in the anatomical position, even when the patient is actually lying down. Lecturers often remind students to 'describe it in the anatomical position'.

Example sentences

  1. In the anatomical position, the thumb is on the lateral side of the hand.

  2. Always picture the patient in the anatomical position before you use terms like medial or lateral.

Common collocations

  • in the anatomical position
  • standard anatomical position
  • describe in the anatomical position
  • anteriorAt or toward the front of the body. For example, the sternum (breastbone) is anterior to the heart.
  • medialCloser to the midline, the imaginary vertical line that divides the body into left and right halves. For example, the nose is medial to the eyes.
  • lateralFarther from the midline of the body; toward the side. For example, the ears are lateral to the eyes.
  • supineLying flat on the back with the face upward. The opposite position, lying face down, is called prone.

More terms: Body Regions and Directional Terms

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.