a position of the body universally used in anatomical descriptions in which the body is erect, facing the observer, the upper extremities are at the sides, the palms of the hands are facing forward, and the feet are on the floor

A medical convention used to facilitate the precise description of body parts. In the anatomical position the body is imagined standing on tip toes, with the palms pointed forward, the soles of the feet backwards, and in males, the penis erect and pointing upwards. Commonly used terms include: Ventral or Anterior= in front e.g. The palm is the ventral surface of the hand; the underside of the penile shaft is the ventral surface of the shaft; the tragus is anterior to the ear canal. Dorsal or Posterior = at the back. e.g. The back of the hand is the dorsal surface; The reverse Prince Albert exits on the dorsum of the penis. Superior = higher than e.g. The helix of the ear is superior to the lobe; the clitoral hood is superior to the tip of the clitoris. Inferior = lower than e.g. The frenum of the tongue connects the inferior surface of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Medial= towards the midline e.g. The big toe is medial to the little toe. Lateral= away from the midline e.g. The thumb is lateral to the other fingers when standing with the palms pointing forward; the outer helix of the ear is lateral to the tragus.

The body is upright with the arms and hands turned forward

see The Anatomical Position