What describes the prone surgical position?

The prone surgical position is characterized by the patient being positioned flat on the surgical table with their face and torso down. This position is commonly used for various surgical procedures, especially for accessing the posterior aspects of the body, such as the back, spine, or rectal area. It allows for optimal surgical access and visualization of the target area, while also improving lung function in certain cases.

In contrast, being face up refers to the supine position, where the patient's back is against the table. Being on one's side describes the lateral position, which is not the same as prone. A semi-upright position is associated with the Fowler's position and is generally not used for surgical procedures where full access to the body surface is required. Thus, the characteristics of the prone position align with the description provided in the correct answer.