Anatomical terminology and thumbs facing outwards. Just as maps are normally oriented with north at the top, the standard body "map," or anatomical position, is that of the body standing upright, with the feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes forward. The upper limbs are held out to each side, and the palms of the hands face forward. Using the standard anatomical position reduces confusion. It means that regardless of the position of a body, the position of structures within it can be described without ambiguity. In terms of anatomy, the body is divided into regions. In the front, the trunk is
Standard anatomical position Frankfurt plane with the mandibular plane. For dogs, the standard anatomical position is having the abdomen ventral by each paw standing on the supporting surface. Standard anatomical position Because animals can change orientation with respect to their environment, and because appendages (arms, legs, tentacles, "etc.") can change position with respect to the main body, it is important that anatomical terms of location refer to the organism when it is in its standard anatomical position. Thus, "all descriptions are with respect to the organism in its standard anatomical position", even when the organism in question has appendages in another position. However,