Final answer:
The prone position refers to a patient lying face-down. It is used during certain medical and surgical procedures to provide access to the back or spine, and can aid in breathing for patients with respiratory issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is positioned on his/her stomach, it is referred to as the prone position. This term is used to denote a face-down orientation of the body. The prone position is often utilized during certain medical and surgical procedures. It is beneficial for providing access to the back, spine, and in some instances, to facilitate breathing in patients with respiratory distress when other positions are not effective.