Directional movement terms

Question 1

Abduction

Answer 1

Moving a body part away from the midline

Question 2

Adduction

Answer 2

Moving a body part toward the midline

Question 3

Circumduction

Answer 3

Moving a body part in a circular motion

Question 4

Depression

Answer 4

Lowering a body part

Question 5

Dorsiflexion

Answer 5

Bending the foot upward by flexing the foot at the ankle

Question 6

Elevation

Answer 6

Raising a body part

Question 7

Extension

Answer 7

Increasing the joint angle to straighten body parts

Question 8

Flexion

Answer 8

Decreasing the joint angle to bring two body parts closer together.

Question 9

Hyperextension

Answer 9

Excessive extension of body parts at a joint; moving a part beyond normal anatomical position

Question 10

Inversion

Answer 10

Turning the foot so the sole of the foot is inward.

Question 11

Plantar flexion

Answer 11

Bending the foot downward by extending the foot at the ankle.

Question 12

Pronation

Answer 12

Turning the hand with the palm down or turning the foot so the medial margin is lowered.

Question 13

Protraction

Answer 13

Moving a body part forward

Question 14

Retraction

Answer 14

Moving a body part backward

Question 15

Supination

Answer 15

Turning the hand with the palm upward or turning the foot so the medial margin is raised.