In the anatomic position, what is the forward-facing side of the hand called?

In the anatomic position, the forward-facing side of the hand is referred to as the palmar side. This terminology is rooted in the standard anatomical positioning where the body is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. The palmar aspect is important for identifying the surface of the hand that is used primarily for grasping objects and performing various tasks. Understanding this term is crucial for medical professionals, as it helps in accurately describing anatomical features, injuries, or conditions related to the hand.

The other terms, while they describe different aspects of anatomy, do not apply to the forward-facing side of the hand. Dorsal usually refers to the back side of the hand (the opposite of the palmar). Plantar pertains to the sole of the foot, and medial describes a position that is closer to the midline of the body, which does not relate directly to the orientation of the hand in the anatomic position.