Joint actions

Question 1

Flexion

Answer 1

The movement of a limb caused by concentric muscular contraction, resulting in a decrease in the angle of a joint.

Example: Bending your elbow to bring your hand closer to your shoulder.

Question 2

Extension

Answer 2

The movement of a limb caused by eccentric muscular contraction, resulting in an increase in the angle of a joint.

Example: Straightening your knee from a bent position.

Question 3

Hyperextension

Answer 3

A continuation of extension past the normal anatomical position.

Question 4

Lateral Flexion

Answer 4

Flexing to the side (Usually an action of the vertebral column).

Question 5

Dorsiflexion

Answer 5

Flexion of the ankle joint bringing the top of the foot towards the shin.

Question 6

Plantar Flexion

Answer 6

Extension of the ankle joint lowering the top of the foot away from the shin. The bottom of the foot lowers towards the floor.

Question 7

Abduction

Answer 7

Within the anatomical position, movement of a bone/bones laterally away from the midline of the body.

Question 8

Adduction

Answer 8

Within the anatomical position, movement of a bone/bones towards the midline of the body.

Question 9

Rotation

Answer 9

Movement around an axis.

Question 10

Internal Rotation

Answer 10

Rotation of a joint inward towards the midline of the body.

Question 11

External Rotation

Answer 11

Rotation of a joint outwards away from the midline of the body.

Question 12

Circumduction

Answer 12

A stationary point on a line with the distal end moving in a circle forming a cone. This is a combination of movements in all planes.

Question 13

Elevation

Answer 13

Upward movement/action of the scapula.

Question 14

Depression

Answer 14

Downward movement/action of the scapula.

Question 15

Protraction

Answer 15

Abduction of the scapula.

Question 16

Retraction

Answer 16

Adduction of the scapula.

Question 17

Pronation (eversion)

Answer 17

The positioning of the hand with the palm facing down. The inward rotational roll position of the foot.

Question 18

Supination (inversion)

Answer 18

The positioning of the hand with the palm facing up. The outward rotational roll position of the foot.

Question 19

Neutral Spine

Answer 19

The natural inward arch of the low back which distributes load equally throughout the low back. This distribution of load helps to prevent injury and allows for efficient movement.

Question 20

Anterior Tilt

Answer 20

An arching of the lower back that causes the pelvis to tilt towards the front of the body.

Question 21

Posterior Tilt

Answer 21

A rounding of the lower back that causes the pelvis to tilt towards the back of the body.