Anatomical Position
Illustrations
Background Information
Introduction
Anatomists use a standardized body pose called the anatomical position to assign directional terms (e.g., anterior, posterior, lateral, superior, and inferior) to the body regions.
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A body in the anatomical position ……
- is erect with the arms placed to the sides,
- the legs and feet are at shoulder width and parallel,
- and the face, palms, and feet are directed forward.
The anatomical position provides a standardized approach to assigning directional terms to body parts. This is crucial for clear communication in anatomy and medicine.
Directional terms remain consistent even when body parts move from their anatomical position.
For example, the hand’s palmar surface is still considered anterior even if the wrist is turned over (pronated) and the palmar surface faces backward.
Illustrations
Anatomical Position
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References and Attributions
OpenStax College – Overview of Anatomy and Physiology (Access for free at – https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction)
Science Direct – “Anatomical Direction“.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia – “Standard Anatomical Position.”