What is the definition of the prone position?

The prone position is defined as lying flat on the front or face down. This position is commonly used in various medical and therapeutic settings, such as for certain examinations, treatments, or during surgical procedures. When a patient is in the prone position, their body weight is distributed evenly across the chest and abdomen, which can be beneficial for lung expansion and optimizing respiratory function in certain situations.

The other positions listed represent different orientations of the body. For example, sitting upright refers to being in a vertical position with support, standing straight involves being upright on both feet, and lying on one side indicates a lateral position. Each of these positions serves different purposes in clinical practice, but the unique characteristic of the prone position is that it specifically involves lying flat with the face downward.