THE BASICS

There are a few terms one must need to know in order to understand body positions.
ANATOMICAL POSITION: refers to when the feet are shoulder with apart facing forward and arms are down with a little bit of space in between them and the sides; palms are also facing forward. Click here to see a photo of anatomical position.

Now there are three different planes which split the body in anatomical positions.
1. Sagital Plane: splits the body in to left and right sides. Extension and flexion are provided by this plane.
2. Frontal Plane: splits the body in to anterior and posterior (front and back) sides. This plane provides abduction (moving away from the body) and adduction (adding to the body).
3. Transverse Plane: splits the body horizontally, separating the body into upper and lower halves. Motions in this plane deal with rotation.

Terms of different positions in anatomical position:
Medial: closer to the middle of the body (in sagital plane).
Lateral: further away from the middle of the body (in sagital plane).
Superior: top of the body, relatively higher up when comparing (in transverse plane).
Inferior: bottom of the body, relatively further down when comparing (in transverse plane).
Distal: the distance is further away (only when dealing with appendages).
Proximal: the distance is closer (only when dealing with appendages).
Inversion: soles of feet are facing in/towards the body.
Eversion: soles of feet are facing out/away from the body.
Dorsiflexion: toes/feet are flexed.
Plantarflexion: toes/feet are pointed.
Pronation: the palm is facing downward.
Supination: the palm is facing up.