Lying (position)

The lying (position) or recumbency is a type of human position in which the body is more or less horizontal and supported along its length by the surface underneath. When lying, the body may assume a great variety of shapes and positions. The following are the basic recognized positions.

Types of lying positions

Supine position

The supine position means lying horizontally with the face and torso facing up, as opposed to the prone position, which is face down. When used in surgical procedures, it allows access to the peritoneal, thoracic and pericardial regions; as well as the head, neck and extremities.

Prone position

The prone position is a body position in which one lies flat with the chest down and the back up. In anatomical terms of location, the dorsal side is up, and the ventral side is down.

Lateral decubitus

The lateral decubitus position is when a person lies on their side. It can refer to either the left or right side. The left lateral decubitus position refers to when a person lies on their left side.

Health effects

Lying, particularly prolonged bed rest, has many health effects, including muscle atrophy, bedsores, thrombosis, and a decrease in bone density.

See also

• Sitting
• Squatting position
• List of human positions

References

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  Lying (position)