In anatomical position, which directions do the palms face and where are the feet pointed?

• A. Palms face anteriorly (forward); feet point forward.
• B. Palms face posteriorly; feet point outward.
• C. Palms face laterally; feet point upward.
• D. Palms face superiorly; feet point downward.

Answer: (A)

In anatomical position, the body is oriented so the front surfaces face forward and the palms face forward as well, with the feet pointing straight ahead. The palms facing anteriorly come from the forearms being in a supinated position (radius and ulna parallel), so the palms look toward the front. The feet pointed forward means the toes are directed along the body's long axis toward the anterior. This standard orientation is why palms facing forward and feet pointing forward is correct. If the palms were facing the back, that would require pronating the forearms, and if the feet pointed outward, the feet would be rotated away from the midline rather than straight ahead.