In the anatomical position, which statement is true?

• A. Arms crossed over chest
• B. Palms facing backward
• C. Standing upright with palms facing forward
• D. Lying flat on back

Answer: (C)

In anatomical position, the body is described from a standard reference stance: a person stands erect, feet together and facing forward, arms at the sides with the palms facing forward and the thumbs pointed away from the body. This orientation provides a consistent frame of reference for describing directions like front/back and inner/outer. The palm-facing-forward setup matters because it aligns the forearm bones so the palms present anteriorly, not posteriorly. Therefore, standing upright with palms facing forward is the true description. Arms crossed over the chest disrupts the at-sides posture, palms facing backward places the palms posteriorly, and lying flat on the back is a supine position, not the upright anatomical stance.