Anatomical movements Flashcards
What does the term ‘superior’ refer to in anatomy?
A position above or higher than another part of the body.
What does ‘inferior’ mean in anatomical terms?
A position below or lower than another part of the body.
Define ‘anterior’ in anatomy.
Toward the front of the body.
What is meant by ‘posterior’?
Toward the back of the body.
What does ‘medial’ mean in anatomical terminology?
Closer to the midline of the body.
Define ‘lateral’ in anatomy.
Farther from the midline of the body.
What is ‘proximal’?
Closer to the point of attachment or origin.
Define ‘distal’.
Farther from the point of attachment or origin.
What does ‘flexion’ refer to?
A movement that decreases the angle between two body parts.
Define ‘extension’.
A movement that increases the angle between two body parts.
What is ‘lateral flexion’?
Bending the spine to the side.
Define ‘rotation’ in anatomical terms.
A movement around an axis.
What is ‘abduction’?
Moving a limb away from the midline of the body.
Define ‘adduction’.
Moving a limb toward the midline of the body.
What does ‘protraction’ refer to?
Moving a body part forward, such as the shoulders.
Define ‘retraction’.
Moving a body part backward.
What is ‘medial rotation’?
Rotating a limb toward the midline.
Define ‘lateral rotation’.
Rotating a limb away from the midline.
What is ‘circumduction’?
A circular movement that combines flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
Define ‘pronation’.
Rotating the forearm so the palm faces down.
What is ‘supination’?
Rotating the forearm so the palm faces up.
Define ‘dorsiflexion’.
Bending the foot upward at the ankle.
What is ‘plantar flexion’?
Bending the foot downward at the ankle.
Define ‘inversion’.
Turning the sole of the foot inward.
