Directional Terms

Question 1

Flexion

(Extension)

Answer 1

Decrease in the angle between bones forming the joint

Question 2

Extension

(Flexion)

Answer 2

Increase in the angle between bones forming the joint

Question 3

Hyperextension

Answer 3

Movement that exaggerates extension at a joint

Question 4

Dorsiflexion

(Plantar flexion)

Answer 4

Flexion of the foot at the ankle

Question 5

Plantar flexion

(dorsiflexion)

Answer 5

Extension of the foot at the ankle

Question 6

Abduction

(adduction)

Answer 6

Movement of a bone away from the midline

Question 7

Adduction

(abduction)

Answer 7

Movement of a bone towards the midline

Question 8

Rotation

Answer 8

Movement of a bone around its longitudinal axis

Question 9

Medial rotation

Answer 9

Rotation of a limb so its anterior surface turns medially

Question 10

Lateral rotation

Answer 10

Rotation of a limb so its anterior surface turns laterally

Question 11

Circumduction

Answer 11

Movement of the distal end of a bone in a circle while proximal ends form the pivot joint

Question 12

Eversion

Answer 12

Movement of the sole of the foot laterally

Question 13

Inversion

Answer 13

Movement of the sole of the foot medially

Question 14

Pronation

Answer 14

Rotation of the forearm when the palm is turned inferiorly or posteriorly

Question 15

Supination

Answer 15

Rotation of the forearm when the palm is turned superiorly or anteriorly

Question 16

Protraction

Answer 16

Movement of a body part anteriorly

Question 17

Retraction

Answer 17

Movement of a body part posteriorly

Question 18

Elevation

Answer 18

Movement of a body part superiorly

Question 19

Depression

Answer 19

Movement of a body part inferiorly

Question 20

Opposition

Answer 20

Movement of the thumb to touch the other four fingers

Question 21

Reposition

Answer 21

Movement of the thumb back to the anatomical position

Question 22

Anterior (or ventral)

Answer 22

Front (the kneecap is located on the anterior side of the leg)

Question 23

Posterior (or dorsal)

Answer 23

Back (the shoulder blades are located on the posterior side of the body)

Question 24

Inferior (or caudal)

Answer 24

Away from the head; lower (the food is part of the inferior extremity)

Question 25

Medial

Answer 25

Towards the midline of the body (the big toe is located at the medial side of the foot)

Question 26

Lateral

Answer 26

Away from the midline of the body (the little toe is located at the lateral side of the foot)

Question 27

Proximal

Answer 27

Toward or nearest the trunk of the point of origin of a part (the proximal end of the femur joins with the pelvic bone)

Question 28

Distal

Answer 28

Away from or farthest from the trunk or the point of origin of a part (the hand is located at the distal end of the forearm)

Question 29

Coronal plane (frontal plane)

Answer 29

A vertical plane running from side to side; divides the body or any of its parts into anterior or posterior portions

Question 30

Sagittal plante (lateral plane)

Answer 30

A vertical plane running from front to back’ divides the body of any of its parts into right and left sides

Question 31

Axial plane (transverse plane)

Answer 31

A horizontal plane; divides the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts

Question 32

Median plan

Answer 32

Saggital plane through the midline of the body; divides the body or any of its parts into right and left halves