What does the term 'prone' refer to regarding patient positioning?

The term 'prone' specifically refers to a patient positioning where the individual is lying flat on their stomach. This position is commonly used in various medical and therapeutic contexts, such as when conducting certain examinations, surgical procedures, or when performing physical therapy interventions.

Lying in a prone position can provide various benefits, such as promoting better lung function in certain patients, facilitating certain medical examinations, or helping to relieve pressure on certain body parts during rest. Understanding this terminology is essential for healthcare providers to accurately communicate and implement proper patient positioning strategies in clinical practices.