How do you describe a patient lying on their stomach?

A patient lying on their stomach is described as being in a prone position. The term "prone" specifically refers to the orientation of the body where the front side (or ventral surface) is facing downwards. This position is commonly utilized for certain medical examinations, procedures, or therapeutic interventions, providing access to the back and other posterior structures of the body.

In contrast, "supine" refers to the position where a person is lying on their back, face up. "Lateral" indicates a side-lying position, where the patient is oriented on either their left or right side. Lastly, "recumbent" is a broader term that can refer to lying down in any position, but does not specify the orientation of the body. Understanding these distinctions is key in accurately documenting patient positions in medical settings.