Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In anatomy and physiology, the term supine describes a position where an individual is lying on their back, face up. This orientation is used as a reference when discussing various anatomical structures or procedures.
Related terms
Prone: This is the opposite position to supine, where an individual is lying on their stomach, face down.
Describes a position where an individual is lying on their side, either left or right.
Anatomical position: A standard posture in which an individual stands upright with feet together, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward; it serves as the primary reference point for anatomical terminology