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
Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology The Federative International Committee for Anatomical Terminology (FICAT) is a group of experts who review, analyze and discuss the terms of the morphological structures of the human body. It was created by the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), and was originally known as the Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology (FCAT). This Committee was created in 1989, at the XIII International Congress of Anatomists, held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). It followed the old International Anatomical Nomenclature Committee (IANC). The professionals involved are renowned professors and researchers with knowledge of medical terminology. They