Definition of Postural

Postural refers to the body's stance or alignment, including the overall posture or the position of the limbs, such as the arms and legs. A drop in blood pressure, known as orthostatic hypotension, can occur when there is a shift in body position, particularly from sitting to standing or from lying down to sitting or standing. This change, common in older adults, results in a temporary decrease in blood flow and a lack of oxygen to the brain, leading to dizziness and occasionally fainting. The term "posture" originates from the Latin verb "ponere," which means "to put or place." Its past participle "positus" evolved into the noun "positura," eventually making its way through France to England in the 16th century as the word "posture."

Medical Definition & Meaning