Directional Terms & Movements

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

Structure is closure to the vertex of the cranium.

Question 2

Cranial

Answer 2

Structure is closest to the cranium.

Question 3

Inferior

Answer 3

Structure is nearer the sole of the foot.

Question 4

Caudal

Answer 4

Structure closest to the coccyx.

Question 5

Posterior

Answer 5

Structure closest to the back/spine.

Question 6

Anterior

Answer 6

Structure is closest to the front/sternum.

Question 7

Rostral

Answer 7

Structure closest to the frontal lobe of the brain.

Question 8

Medial

Answer 8

Structure that is closest to the median plane.

Question 9

Lateral

Answer 9

Structure furthest from the median plane.

Question 10

Dorsum

Answer 10

Superior portion of any anterior protruding body part. (I.e top of hand and top of foot)

Question 11

Palmar

Answer 11

Inferior part of any anteriorly protruding body part. (I.e palms and soles)

Question 12

Proximal

Answer 12

Structure closest to the limb attachment site

Question 13

Distal

Answer 13

Structure furthest from the limb attachment site.

Question 14

Flexion

Answer 14

Bending or decreasing an angle from its initial degree (up to 0).

Question 15

Extension

Answer 15

Straightening or increasing an angle from its initial degree. (Up to 180).

Question 16

Dorsiflexion

Answer 16

Flexion of the ankle joint. Moving the toes and foot superiorly.

Question 17

Plantarflexion

Answer 17

Extension of the ankle joint. Moves the toes and foot inferiorly.

Question 18

Abduction

Answer 18

Moving away from the midline/median plane (laterally).

Question 19

Adduction

Answer 19

Moving towards the midline/median plane (medially)

Question 20

Lateral flexion

Answer 20

Abduction of the trunk and head.

Question 21

Circumduction

Answer 21

Circular movement around a joint.

- consists of abduction/abduction ; flexion/extension.

Question 22

Medial rotation

Answer 22

Brings the anterior surface towards the longitudinal axis (median plan of structure)

Question 23

Lateral rotation

Answer 23

Brings anterior surface away from the longitudinal axis (median plane).

Question 24

Pronation

Answer 24

• Arms: rotates radius medially (palms face posteriorly).

- Foot: lowers median margin of the foot. Combo of eversion and abduction.

Question 25

Supination

Answer 25

• Arms: rotates the radius laterally (palms face anteriorly).
• Foot: raises median margin of the foot. Combo of inversion and addiction.

Question 26

Eversion

Answer 26

Foot: Rotates the ankle joint laterally; soles face away from the median plane.

Similar to pronation

Question 27

Inversion

Answer 27

Foot: Rotates the ankle joint medially; soles face medially toward the median plane.

Question 28

Opposition

Answer 28

Moves the 1st digit (thumb) towards the rest of the digits (usually touches 5th digit (pinky)).

Question 29

Reposition

Answer 29

Moves the 1st digit (thumb) back to its anatomical resting position.

Question 30

Protrusion

Answer 30

Moves a part anteriorly.

Question 31

Retrusion

Answer 31

Moves a part posteriorly.

Question 32

Elevation

Answer 32

Moves a part superiorly.

Question 33

Depression

Answer 33

Moves a part inferiorly.