According to anatomical position, what is the most lateral part of the body?

• A. Anywhere on the midline
• B. The hips or shoulders
• C. The thumbs
• D. The feet

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of anatomical position: In anatomy, the standard position of the body is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.
2. Identify the term 'lateral': In anatomical terminology, 'lateral' refers to a position that is farther from the midline of the body. The midline is an imaginary line that divides the body into equal left and right halves.
3. Consider the anatomical position of the arms: In the anatomical position, the arms are at the sides with palms facing forward. This means the thumbs are pointing outward, away from the midline.
4. Compare the lateral positions of body parts: The midline includes structures like the nose and navel. The hips and shoulders are more lateral than the midline but not as lateral as the thumbs.
5. Conclude that the thumbs are the most lateral part of the body in anatomical position: Given the definition of lateral and the anatomical position, the thumbs are the farthest from the midline compared to other options provided.