The standard anatomical position , or standard anatomical model , is
the scientifically agreed upon reference position for anatomical location
terms. Standard anatomical positions are used to standardise the position of
appendages of animals with respect to the main body of the organism. In
medical disciplines, all references to a location on or in the body are made
based upon the standard anatomical position.
A straight position is assumed when describing a proximo-distal axis (towards
or away from a point of attachment). This helps avoid confusion in terminology
when referring to the same organism in different postures. For example, if the
elbow is flexed, the hand remains distal to the shoulder even if it approaches
the shoulder.
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