Final answer:
In anatomical position, the palms of the hands face anteriorly (ventral). This standardized orientation helps in accurately describing body parts and movements, such as supination, which is the action that moves the palm from the palm backward to the palm forward position.
Step-by-step explanation:
In anatomical position, the palms of the hands face in the anterior (or ventral) direction. This positioning is considered the standard body “map,” where the body is upright, feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes forward, upper limbs out to the side, and palms of the hands facing forward.
It's important to note that in this position, if you move your forearms from a palm backward position to a palm forward position, this motion is known as supination. Conversely, moving the hand from the palm forward position to the palm backward position is called pronation.
The anatomical position ensures that there is no confusion when describing the locations of structures or movements of the body, regardless of how the body itself is oriented. This standardized view is crucial for consistency in medical and anatomical descriptions.