Movement Terminology

Question 1

An imaginary line along which a movement takes place.

Answer 1

Plane

Question 2

Runs vertically in an anterior/posterior direction and divides the body equally into right and left portions.

Answer 2

Mid-Sagittal (aka. Median) Plane

Question 3

Runs vertically in a medial/lateral direction and divides the part of the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Answer 3

Frontal (aka. Coronal) Plane

Question 4

Runs horizontally and divides the part of the body into superior/inferior portions.

Answer 4

Transverse (aka. Horizontal) Plane

Question 5

An imaginary line around which a movement takes place.

Answer 5

Axis

Question 6

An imaginary line around which movements occur in the transverse/horizontal plane.

Answer 6

Vertical (aka. Longitudinal) Axis

Question 7

An imaginary line around which movements occur in the sagittal/mid-sagittal plane.

Answer 7

Medial-Lateral Axis

Question 8

An imaginary line around which movements occur in the frontal/coronal plane.

Answer 8

Anterior-Posterior Axis

Question 9

A movement in the sagittal plane around a medial-lateral axis that bends the joint or decreases the angle between body parts.

Answer 9

Flexion

Question 10

A movement along the sagittal plane around a medial-lateral axis that straightens the joint or increases the angle between body parts.

Answer 10

Extension

Question 11

A movement along the frontal plane around an anterior-posterior axis that moves the body part away from the median plane.

Answer 11

Abduction

Question 12

Abduction from a flexed position.

Answer 12

Horizontal Abduction

Question 13

A movement along the frontal plane around an anterior-posterior axis that moves the body part towards the median plane.

Answer 13

Adduction

Question 14

Adduction from a flexed position.

Answer 14

Horizontal Adduction

Question 15

A movement along the frontal plane around an anterior-posterior axis that moves the body part inwards to the median plane.

Answer 15

Inversion

Question 16

A movement along the frontal plane around an anterior-posterior axis that moves the body part outwards from the median plane.

Answer 16

Eversion

Question 17

A movement along the transverse plane around a vertical axis that moves the body part outwards.

Answer 17

External (aka. Lateral) Rotation

Question 18

A movement along the transverse plane around a vertical axis that moves the body part inwards.

Answer 18

Internal (aka. Medial) Rotation

Question 19

A movement along the transverse plane around a vertical axis and direction must be further clarified by “right” or “left.” The point of reference is the vertebral body.

Answer 19

Spine Rotation

Question 20

A downward rotational movement in the forearm and foot.

Answer 20

Pronation

Question 21

An upward rotational movement in the forearm and foot.

Answer 21

Supination