Fetal position

For the episode, see Fetal Position.
Fetal position (British English: foetal) is a medical term used to describe the positioning of the body of a prenatal fetus as it develops. In this position, the back is curved, the head is bowed, and the limbs are bent and drawn up to the torso.
This position is used in the medical profession during first aid to minimize injury to the neck and chest while keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.
Sometimes, when a person has suffered extreme physical or psychological trauma (including massive stress), they will assume the fetal position or a similar position in which the back is curved forward, the legs are brought up as tightly against the abdomen as possible, the head is bowed as close to the abdomen as possible, and the arms are wrapped around the head to prevent further trauma. This position provides better protection to the brain and vital organs than simply lying spread out on the ground, so it is obvious as to why it is an instinctual reaction to extreme stress or trauma when the brain is no longer able to cope with the surrounding environment, and in essence "shuts down" temporarily.
The fetal position has been observed in drug addicts, who enter the position when experiencing withdrawal.
Many people assume this position when sleeping (or a similar position "semi-fetal", where the body lies on the side and the knees are only drawn up partway), especially when the body becomes cold.
Fetal position at Wikipedia
Category:Medical terminology