Body Position Terminology

Question 1

Identifies overall posture of the patient or the general body position

Answer 1

Body position terminology

Question 2

Erect or marked by a vertical position

Answer 2

Upright

Question 3

Upright position in which the patient is sitting on a chair or stool

Answer 3

Seated

Question 4

Lying on the back

Answer 4

Supine

Question 5

Supine position with the head higher than the feet

Answer 5

Fowler’s position

Question 6

Lying face down

Answer 6

Prone

Question 7

A general term referring to lying down in any position, such as dorsal recumbent, ventral recumbent or lateral recumbent

Answer 7

Recumbent

Question 8

Position with the head tilted downward

Answer 8

Trendelenburg’s position supine

Question 9

A recumbent position with the patient lying on the left anterior side (semiprone) with the left leg extended and the right knee and thigh partially flexed

Answer 9

Sim’s position

Question 10

A supine position with the knees and hips flexed and thighs abducted and rotated externally, supported by ankle supports

Answer 10

Lithotomy posititon