Anatomic position
Standing erect, facing forward, arms at sides, legs parallel, toes pointed forward. Used for descriptions and studies of the body
Decubitus position
Lying down, according to the part of the body resting on a flat surface, as in left or right lateral decubitus or dorsal or ventral decubitus
Dorsal recumbent position
On back with legs bent and separated, feet flat. Used for obstetrics and gynecology
Fowler position
On back, head of bed raised about 18 inches, knees elevated. Used to ease breathing and for drainage
Jackknife position
On back with shoulder elevated, legs flexed and thighs at right angles to abdomen. Used to introduce tube in the urerthra
Knee-chest position
On knees, head and upper chest on table, arms crossed above head. Used for gynecology and obstetrics, and for flushing the intestine
Lateral recumbent position
On the side with one leg flexed
Lithotomy position
On back, legs flexed on abdomen, thighs apart. Used for gynecologic and urologic surgery
Prone
Lying face down
Sims position
On left side, leg drawn up high and forward, left arm along back, chest forward resting on bed. Used for kidney and uterine surgery, colon examination and enemas.
Supine
Lying face down
Trendelenburg position
On back with head lowered by tilting bed back at 45 degree angle. Used for pelvic and abdominal surgery, treatment of shock.
