Equine Movement Terminology

Question 0

Extension

Answer 0

Increases the angle, to open or straighten the joint. Increasing the distance between body parts.

Question 1

Flexion

Answer 1

Decreases the angle, to bend or flex the joint. Bringing parts of the body closer together.

Question 2

Abduction

Answer 2

A sideways movement taking a body part away from the midline or median line.

Question 3

Adduction

Answer 3

A sideways movement brings a body part towards the midline or median line

Question 4

Lateral or External Rotation

Answer 4

A movement that turns a limb on its axis as in twisting a limb away or outward from the body.

Question 5

Medial or Internal Rotation

Answer 5

A movement that turns a limb on its axis as in twisting a limb towards or inward to the body.

Question 6

Neck Rotation

Answer 6

Swiveling the head by tipping the nose sideways and upward.

Question 7

Lateral Neck Bending

Answer 7

Bending the head and neck side to side.

Question 8

Circumduction

Answer 8

Moving the body part so it’s end follows a circular path as in “paddling” or “winging”

Question 9

Protraction

Answer 9

Moving the limb forward longitudinally as the body propels forward

Question 10

Retraction

Answer 10

Moving the backward longitudinally as the body propels forward.