Body Positions, Medical Terminology

Fowler Position

Semi-sitting position (45-60*) with slight elevation of the knees

Semi-Fowler Position

Semi-sitting position (35-45*) with slight elevation of the knees

Lithotomy Position

Lying on the back, hips and knees flexed, thighs externally rotated

Prone Position

Lying on abdomen, facing downward

Orthopnea Position

Sitting erect in a chair or upright in a bed supported by pillows behind the head and chest.

Recumbent Position

Lying down in any way

Sims Position

Lying on the left, right knee up, left arm behind, parallel to the back

Supine Position

Lying on the back

Trendelenburg Position

Lying on the back with the body tilted so the head is lower than the feet

Lateral Position

Lying on either side, padding bony areas with pillows