The first thing to know about the term at hand is its etymological origin. In this case we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin, exactly from “decubitus”, which can be translated as “lying down” and that it is the result of the sum of several differentiated parts:
-The prefix “de-”, which means “from top to bottom”.
-The verb “cubare”, which is synonymous with “lying down”.
-The suffix “-to”, which is used as a passive participle.
The concept alludes to the position an animal or person adopts when lying down, and therefore lies horizontally.
- Abbreviationfinder: Find definitions of English word – Chinese. Commonly used abbreviations related to word are also included.
For example: “The victim’s body was in a lateral decubitus position”, “To perform this exercise, you must first lie supine”, “I want to spend the whole day in a decubitus position, looking at the ceiling without doing anything”.
It is possible to differentiate between different recumbent positions. The supine position is one in which the body rests on the back. This means that the person rests his back on the surface and is looking up. If someone is lying supine on a bed, his view will be directed towards the ceiling of the room.
Regarding the supine decubitus position, another series of relevant aspects must be taken into account, such as these:
-It is the most used at the surgical level, to undertake abdominal operations, of the upper part of the body or even of the anterior neck.
-In the same way, we cannot ignore that this position is also used, with great frequency, to take X-rays of the spine.
-This position allows lung expansion to occur while facilitating the alignment of the different body segments.
In the prone position, on the other hand, the body rests on the belly and chest. The individual, therefore, lies face down. Returning to the case of a subject who is in bed, the prone position implies that he has his eyes against the pillow or mattress, unless he turns his head and supports one cheek.
If someone lies on their side, assume the lateral decubitus position . It is one of the most common positions at bedtime, with the body lying on one of its sides. It can be the right lateral decubitus position or the left lateral decubitus position.
In particular, the left lateral decubitus position is considered to be one of the most beneficial for sleeping for several different reasons:
-Comes to facilitate what is the lymphatic drainage of the brain.
-It favors the heart, since it makes it easier for it to pump in the best way.
-Improves what is the realization of digestion.
-It is considered that it favors the state and functioning of the liver because it secretes its enzymes towards the digestive tract.
When the position can be maintained naturally, it is referred to as indifferent decubitus. On the other hand, if there is no way to maintain the position naturally, it is classified as forced decubitus.