What does the term "prone" mean in anatomical position?

The term "prone" refers to the position of an individual lying face down on their front. This anatomical term is commonly used in various fields, including medicine and physical rehabilitation, to describe the positioning of a patient or anatomical structures during examination or treatment. Understanding this term is essential for accurately following instructions related to physical assessments, treatments, and exercises in a clinical setting. It is notable that terms like "supine" are used to describe the opposite position—lying on the back—which helps clarify the contrasting meanings in anatomical language.