UNLV School of Medicine EMT Anatomy Lab

Foundational Anatomical Terminology:
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Anatomical position

Anatomical Position

Anatomical Position refers to the position of the body as if it were standing erect, where:
  • the head, eyes (or gaze), and toes are directed anteriorly; and
  • the upper limbs are by the sides of the body, with the palms facing anteriorly; and
  • the lower limbs are close together with the feet parallel and the toes directed anteriorly.

Anatomical position on VH Dissector

Tap on the "+" sign to set the table view:

   Set Table View

Is the body displayed on the 3D panel (the center panel on the table) in the Anatomical Position?

That is not correct. The body is not in the Anatomical Position.

To be in the correct Anatomical Position, the upper limbs should be by the sides of the body with the palms facing anteriorly. This body was not in the anatomical position when preserved, and as a result, the cuts through the arms are oblique.

That is correct.

To be in the correct Anatomical Position, the upper limbs should be by the sides of the body with the palms facing anteriorly. This body was not in the anatomical position when preserved, and as a result, the cuts through the arms are oblique.