The anatomical position is a position used as a reference when describing parts of the body in relation to each other. Used in conjunction with terms of relationship, terms of comparison and terms of movement, the anatomical position allow a standard way of documenting where one part of the body is in relation to another, regardless of whether the body is standing, lying down, or in any other position.

A person in the anatomical position is standing erect with the head, eyes and toes pointing forward, feet together with arms by the side. The palms of the hands are also point forward. (See the diagram on the right)

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