In the anatomical position, the thumb is positioned laterally (to the side) of the index finger. This is because, when a person stands upright with their arms at their sides and palms facing forward, the thumb points outward while the index finger points straight ahead. This positioning is essential for understanding the orientation of the hand in anatomy, as it provides a consistent reference point for describing locations and movements of the hand and fingers.
For instance, when discussing movements such as abduction or adduction of the fingers, it’s crucial to understand that the thumb’s lateral position relative to the index finger impacts these motions. In summary, the anatomical position helps clarify our understanding of how body parts relate to one another.