The Skeletal System and Its Movements 17Anatomical Position
Anatomical position is a reference position or start-
ing position that is used for movement terminology.
Anatomical position is an erect standing position; the
feet face front (either together or slightly separated),
and the arms are down by the sides with the palms
facing forward so that the thumbs face outward and
the fingers are extended. Anatomical position is
illustrated in figure 1.8. This position of the arms
allows movements such as bending and straighten-
ing (technically termed flexion-extension) of the
elbow, wrist, and fingers to occur in the same spatial
direction (plane) as other major joints of the body
such as the shoulder and hip. This makes learning
movements easier and more logical.
Two other terms are commonly used to describe
positions of the body—prone and supine. As seen
in table 1.5, prone refers to lying face downward on
the stomach, while supine refers to lying face upward
on the back. These two terms are particularly useful
when one is describing exercises.
Directional Terminology
The other key terms defined in table 1.5 and selec-
tively illustrated in figure 1.8 are used to describe the
relationship between parts of the body in anatomical
position, or the location of the given structure in refer-
ence to other structures. Note that these terms occur
in pairs with opposite meanings. So, superior means
closer to the head or “above” while inferior means
farther from the head or “below.” Anterior or ventral
means toward the front of the body while posterior
or dorsal means toward the back of the body. For
example, the bony projection used for evaluation of
pelvic alignment, found on the front and top portion
of the pelvis, is termed the anterior superior iliac spine
(ASIS); that found on the back of the pelvis is termed
FIGURE 1.8 Anatomical position and directional termi-
nology.Examples Description
Triaxial joints (continued)
Gliding In gliding joints, flat or slightly curved surfaces come
together allowing slight sliding motions that do not occur
around an axis. Example: acromioclavicular joint.