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Human Anatomy: Anatomical terminology, planes and positions · Anatomical Position and Directional Terms

Learn the anatomical position and the directional terms anatomists use to describe where every structure lies relative to another.

For learning, not medical advice: for your own health, ask a doctor or another qualified professional.

Human Anatomy · 30 questions

Try 3 questions

1. Why are the palms turned forward in the standard anatomical position?

  1. So the forearm bones lie parallel
  2. So the thumbs point toward the midline
  3. So the elbows stay fully flexed
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Answer: So the forearm bones lie parallel

With the palms forward, the radius and ulna lie side by side instead of crossing, giving every structure of the forearm a fixed, uncrossed reference.

2. A patient lying face up on an examination table is described as being in which position?

  1. Prone
  2. Lateral recumbent
  3. Supine
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Answer: Supine

Supine means lying on the back, face up (think 'on the spine'); prone is the opposite, lying face down.

3. In the anatomical position, how is the thumb placed relative to the little finger?

  1. Lateral, farther from the midline
  2. Medial, closer to the midline
  3. Inferior, lower on the hand
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Answer: Lateral, farther from the midline

With the palms facing forward the thumb points away from the body, so it lies lateral to the little finger.

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