Joint actions Flashcards
Flexion
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.
Extension
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.
Hyperextension
A continuation of extension past the normal anatomical position.
Lateral Flexion
Flexing to the side (Usually an action of the vertebral column).
Dorsiflexion
Flexion of the ankle joint bringing the top of the foot towards the shin.
Plantar Flexion
Extension of the ankle joint lowering the top of the foot away from the shin. The bottom of the foot lowers towards the floor.
Abduction
Within the anatomical position, movement of a bone/bones laterally away from the midline of the body.
Adduction
Within the anatomical position, movement of a bone/bones towards the midline of the body.
Rotation
Movement around an axis.
Internal Rotation
Rotation of a joint inward towards the midline of the body.
External Rotation
Rotation of a joint outwards away from the midline of the body.
Circumduction
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.
Elevation
Upward movement/action of the scapula.
Depression
Downward movement/action of the scapula.
Protraction
Abduction of the scapula.
