Which position describes lying on the back?

The supine position describes lying on the back, which involves a person being horizontal with their face and torso facing upward. This position is commonly used in various medical and physical therapy contexts for examinations, treatments, and rehabilitation exercises, as it provides an accessible and stable base for the body. In this position, gravity assists with blood flow and allows for effective breathing and relaxation of muscle tension in the back and abdomen.

In contrast, the prone position refers to lying face down, which is the opposite of supine. The lateral recumbent position entails lying on one's side, providing a different set of benefits and uses. The normal anatomic position, while it serves as a standard reference for the body's posture (standing upright with arms at the sides and palms facing forward), does not involve lying down at all. This makes the supine position the prioritized choice when identifying the position that specifically describes lying on the back.