Final answer:
Prone refers to lying face down, while supine refers to lying face up, concerning the standard anatomical position of the body. The lateral position involves lying on one's side, and the lithotomy position is typically used in childbirth or surgery with the patient lying on their back with legs elevated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms prone, supine, lateral, and lithotomy are used to describe the orientation of the body when lying down or during specific medical procedures or examinations. When a body is lying face down, it is said to be in a prone position. Contrastingly, when a body is lying face up, it is identified as being in a supine position. These positions are described about the anatomical position of the body: an upright stance with the upper limbs to the side of the body and palms facing forward. Other body positions, like the lateral position, involve the patient lying on their side, while the lithotomy position refers to lying on the back with legs elevated and hips and knees flexed, typically used during childbirth or certain surgeries.