Chapter 5: Concepts of Biomechanics Flashcards
Biomechanics
The study of the mechanical laws governing movement of living organisms.
Kinesiology
The study of the mechanics of human movement.
Anatomical Position
The anatomically neutral body position facing forward with the arms at the sides of the body and palms and toes pointing straight ahead.
Anterior or ventral
Front of the body or toward the front relative to another reference point
Posterior or dorsal
Back of the body or toward the back relative to another reference point
Superior
Above a reference point
Inferior
Below a reference point
Proximal
Position closer to the center of the body relative to a reference point
Distal
Position farther from the reference point
Medial
Position relatively closer to the midline of the body
Lateral
Position relatively farther from the midline of the body
Prone
Lying facedown
Supine
Lying on one’s backside
Deep
Further beneath the surface relative to another reference point
Superficial
Closer to the surface relative to another reference point
Unilateral
Refers to only one side
Bilateral
Refers to both sides
Ipsilateral
On the same side
Contralateral
On the opposite side
Caudal
Toward the bottom
Cephalic
Toward the head
Volar
Relating to the palm of the hand or sole of the foot
Abduction
Movement away from the midline
Adduction
Movement toward the midline