Anatomical Terminology

Question 1

Flexion

Answer 1

Is the action of bending at a joint such that the join angle decreases.

Question 2

Extension

Answer 2

It occurs when you increase the joint angle. When you straighten your arm from the flexed position, you are extending your arm.

Question 3

Adduction

Answer 3

Occurs when you move a body segment towards your body. You adduct your arm when you bring it back down to your side.

Question 4

Abduction

Answer 4

Occurs when you move a body segment to the side and away from your body. An example is when you move your arm out to the side and bring is level with your shoulder.

Question 5

Supination

Answer 5

Is rotating the wrist such that the palm of your hand is facing forward. When you catch a softball underhanded with one hand, you supinate your wrist.

Question 6

Pronation

Answer 6

Rotating the wrist such that the palm of your hand is facing backwards. When you dribble a basketball, you have a pronated wrist.

Question 7

Plantar Flexion

Answer 7

Is specific to the ankle joint. It occurs when you point your toes, as for example when you stand on your tip toes to reach for something high on a shelf.

Question 8

Dorsiflexion

Answer 8

Is also specific to the ankle joint. It occurs when you bend at the ankle to bring the top of your foot closer to your shin. It is essential when walking, jumping or sprinting.

Question 9

Inversion

Answer 9

Is associated with the ankle joint. Inversion is a result of standing on the outer edge of your foot. It is normally what happens when you sprain your ankle.

Question 10

Eversion

Answer 10

Also is associated with the ankle joint. Eversion is a results of standing on the inner edge of your foot.

Question 11

Circumduction

Answer 11

Is a combination of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction all wrapped up into one movement. An example of this movement occurs, for example, in softball, when a pitcher throws a ball with a “windmill” action.

Question 12

Elevation

Answer 12

Refers to movement in a superior (upwards) direction. For example, when you hunch your shoulders (raise them up), you are elevating them.

Question 13

Depression

Answer 13

Is movement in an inferior (downwards) direction. For example, if you slouch your shoulders (bring them down), you are depressing them.

Question 14

Anterior

Answer 14

Refers to the front surfaces of the body

Question 15

Posterior

Answer 15

Refers to the back surfaces

Question 16

Superior

Answer 16

Refers to the upward surface

Question 17

Inferior

Answer 17

Refers to the downward surfaces

Question 18

Medial

Answer 18

Medial means towards the midline (middle of the body)

Question 19

Lateral

Answer 19

Means away from the midline (towards the outside of the body)

Question 20

Proximal

Answer 20

Means towards the point of attachment of the limb to the body.

Question 21

Distal

Answer 21

Means farther away from the point of attachment.

Question 22

Superficial

Answer 22

Means on, or close to, the surface of the body.

Question 23

Deep

Answer 23

Means farther away from the surface of the body.