Which term describes the position of an animal lying on its side?

The term that accurately describes the position of an animal lying on its side is "lateral recumbency." This term is commonly used in veterinary medicine and animal handling to refer specifically to the position where an animal is resting horizontally on its side. Understanding this position is important for various reasons, such as assessing the animal's condition, performing medical procedures, or ensuring the animal's comfort during transport or examination.

In contrast, "prone" refers to an animal lying on its stomach, while "supine" signifies lying on its back. The term "seated" describes an upright position, not one where the animal is lying down. Recognizing these specific terms helps in effectively communicating about animal positioning in clinical and care settings.