Anatomical Reference Systems
There are several different approaches for studying the location of body
structures relative to each other
and the movements of various
parts of the body
Anatomical Position
• The anatomical position is the
standard reference position of the
body
• All descriptions of the human
body are based on the assumption
that the individual is standing in the
Anatomical Position (AP)
• The body is said to be in the
anatomical position when:
• Standing upright with feet
together, hands by the side and
face looking forward
• The mouth is closed and the facial expression is neutral
• The eyes are open and focused on something in front at some distance
There are several different approaches for studying the location of body
structures relative to each other
and the movements of various
parts of the body
Anatomical Position
• The anatomical position is the
standard reference position of the
body
• All descriptions of the human
body are based on the assumption
that the individual is standing in the
Anatomical Position (AP)
• The body is said to be in the
anatomical position when:
• Standing upright with feet
together, hands by the side and
face looking forward
• The mouth is closed and the facial expression is neutral
• The eyes are open and focused on something in front at some distance
