In anatomical position, which direction do the palms face?

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Multiple Choice

In anatomical position, which direction do the palms face?

In anatomical position, the palms face forward because the forearms are in a supinated stance, so the radius and ulna are parallel and the anterior surfaces of the body are facing outward. This orientation standardizes directional terms, making “anterior” refer to the front of the body. If the palms faced backward, that would be a pronated position; facing downward would be inferior, and facing toward the midline would be medial. So the correct orientation is palms facing anteriorly.

In anatomical position, the palms face forward because the forearms are in a supinated stance, so the radius and ulna are parallel and the anterior surfaces of the body are facing outward. This orientation standardizes directional terms, making “anterior” refer to the front of the body. If the palms faced backward, that would be a pronated position; facing downward would be inferior, and facing toward the midline would be medial. So the correct orientation is palms facing anteriorly.

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