Anatomical Position

a human standing erect, face forward, with feet parallel and arms hanging at the side, with palms facing forward

Supine Position

Face upward

Prone position

Face downward

Trendelenburg Position

the head of the bed is lower than the patients feet

• This position is used to help move secretions from various regions of the patients lungs

Fowlers Position

the patient is sitting in bed with the head of the bed elevated

• Facilitates breathing
• Comfort for bedridden patients while eating or talking

Superior

toward the head or upper body

Inferior

away from the head or toward the lower part of the body

Anterior(ventral)

Front of the body

Posterior(dorsal)

back of the body

Medial

Middle of the body

Lateral

on side of the body

Lithotomy position

a common position for surgical procedures and medical examination of the pelvis, lower abdomen, and reproductive organs.

Patients are placed on back with feet elevated

Dorsal recumbent

laying on their back with knees flexed and feet flat on the table or bed

Used for some surgical procedures and examinations of the vagina or rectum

Semi Fowlers

45 Degree angle

High Fowlers

90 Degree Angle

Right Upper Quadrant

• Liver
• Right Kidney
• Colon
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder

Right Lower Quadrant

• Colon
• Small intestine
• Major artery and vein to the right leg
• Ureter
• Appendix

Midline Area

• Aorta
• Pancreas
• Small Intestine
• Bladder
• Spine

Left Upper Quadrant

• Liver
• Spleen
• Left Kidney
• Stomach
• Colon
• Pancreas

Left Lower Quadrant

• Colon
• Small intestine
• Major Artery and vein to the left leg
• Ureter