International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What position is described as laying on the belly?

1. Prone

2. Supine

3. Sitting

4. Reclined

The correct answer is: Prone

The position described as laying on the belly is known as prone. When a person is in the prone position, their body is face down, with the front of the body in contact with the surface beneath them. This position is often used in various contexts, including in certain medical examinations, physical therapy, and even in some comfort or relaxation scenarios. In contrast, the supine position is when a person is lying on their back, which is the opposite of prone. The sitting position involves being upright with the body supported by a chair or similar surface, and the reclined position refers to a more relaxed state where the back is supported in a non-upright angle, often with the legs elevated. Each of these positions serves different purposes in various fields, but the defining characteristic of the prone position is that it specifically involves lying face down.