Anatomical Terms of Movement

Question 1

Flexion

Answer 1

decreasing the angle between the bones at a joint

Question 2

Extension

Answer 2

increasing the angle between the bones at a joint

Question 3

Abduction

Answer 3

movement away from the median plane

Question 4

Adduction

Answer 4

movement towards the median plane

Question 5

Internal/Medial rotation

Answer 5

anterior surface of a limb rotates towards the median plane

Question 6

External/Lateral rotation

Answer 6

anterior surface of a limb rotates away from the median plane

Question 7

Circumduction

Answer 7

circular motion of a joint

Question 8

Eversion (of foot)

Answer 8

sole of the foot rotates away from the median plane such that the sole faces laterally

Question 9

Inversion (of foot)

Answer 9

the sole of the foot rotates towards the median plane such that the sole faces medially

Question 10

Pronation (of the forearm)

Answer 10

anterior surface of the forearm rotates such that the palm of the hand faces posteriorly (internal rotation)

Question 11

Supination (of the forearm)

Answer 11

the forearm rotates from the pronated position back into the anatomical position (external rotation)

Question 12

Semi-Prone

Answer 12

commonly used to describe the position of the forearm and hand midway between the supine and prone position

Question 13

Elevation

Answer 13

superior movement

Question 14

Depression

Answer 14

inferior movement

Question 15

Lateral Flexion

Answer 15

Lateral bending

Question 16

Protraction

Answer 16

anterior movement

Question 17

Retraction

Answer 17

posterior movement