Med Term Body Positions

anatomic position

Standing erect, facing forward, palms forward

decubitus position

lying down, specifically according to the part of the body resting on a flat surface

dorsal recumbent position

on back, with legs bent and separated, feet flat; used for gynecology

fowler position

on back, head of bed raised abount 18 inches, knees elevated; used for drainage

jackknife position

on back with shoulders elevated, legs flexed and thighs at right angles to the abdomen

knee-chest position

on knees, head and upper chest on table, arms crossed above head; used in gynecology

lateral recumbent position

on the side with one leg flexed, arm position may vary

lithotomy position

on back, legs flexed on abdomen, thighs apart; used for gynecology

prone

lying face down

supine

lying face up

trendelenburg position

on back with head lowered by tilting bed at 45 degree angle; used for pelvic and abdominal surgery