Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

In the anatomical position, how do the palms face?

1. Backward

2. To the sides

3. Forward

4. Downward

The correct answer is: Forward

In the anatomical position, the body is standing upright, with the feet together and facing forward. The arms are positioned straight at the sides, and importantly, the palms of the hands face forward, with the thumbs pointing outward. This standard position is used in anatomy and physiology to provide a common reference point for describing the locations and relationships of various body parts. The forward orientation of the palms is crucial for clarity in communication about anatomical features and movements, as it establishes a baseline that helps avoid confusion when discussing positions or movements in relation to the rest of the body. This orientation is fundamental when learning about directional terms such as anterior (front), posterior (back), medial (toward the midline), and lateral (away from the midline).