What does "prone" refer to in anatomical terms?

In anatomical terms, "prone" refers to the position of lying face down. This term is commonly used in various fields of medicine, anatomy, and physical therapy to describe a patient's body orientation relative to the ground. Understanding the prone position is essential because it impacts how certain procedures are performed, such as surgical operations or assessments of physical abilities. For instance, when assessing the back, the prone position allows for better access and visibility of the spinal area. This term is part of a broader set of anatomical positions that also includes "supine," which means lying face up, and others that describe different orientations and postures of the human body.