Final answer:
Prone and supine are terms used to describe a person's orientation when lying down, which is essential in medical examinations and procedures. Body movements like opposition and retraction are observed to assess muscle function and diagnose medical conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms prone and supine refer to the orientation of the body when lying down. When a body is in a prone position, it is lying face down, whereas in a supine position, it is lying face up. In the medical field, these positions are critical during various physical examinations, surgical procedures, and therapeutic interventions. It is also important to understand different body movements, such as opposition and retraction, which may be observed or requested during a physical examination to assess muscle function or look for signs of conditions such as ataxia.