Lying (position)

Lying (position)

Lying (also recumbency or prostration) is a type of human position in which the body is more or less horizontal and supported along its length by the surface underneath.

When in lying position, the body may assume a great variety of shapes and positions. The following are the basic recognized positions.

• Supine: lying on the back with the face up.
• Prone: lying on the chest with the face down ("lying down" or "going prone"). See also "Prostration".
• Lying on either side, with the body straight or bent/curled forward or backward.
  • The fetal position is lying or sitting curled, with limbs close to the torso and the head close to the knees.
  • The recovery position (coma position), one of a series of variations on a lateral recumbent or three-quarters prone position of the body, into which an unconscious but breathing casualty can be placed as part of first aid treatment

Lying is the most common position while being immobilized, e.g. in bedrest while sleeping or being struck by injury or disease.