Movement Terminology

Question 1

Flexion

Answer 1

A decrease in the angle between two bones.

Question 2

Extension

Answer 2

An increase in the angle between two bones

Question 3

Lateral Flexion

Answer 3

Movement of the trunk, at the waist, or neck to the side (left or right)

Question 4

Hyperextension

Answer 4

Continuing extension beyond normal anatomical position.

Question 5

Abduction

Answer 5

Movement of a limb or body segment away from the midline of the body.

Question 6

Adduction

Answer 6

Movement of a limb or body segment toward the midline of the body.

Question 7

Circumduction

Answer 7

The distal end of a segment moving in a circular fashion. A combination of continuous flexion/extension and abduction/adduction (drawing a circle).

Question 8

Rotation

Answer 8

Movement of a bone around its own long axis

Question 9

Elevation

Answer 9

Upward movement of a body part (usuallly applies to the scapula).

Question 10

Depression

Answer 10

Downward movement of a body part (usually applies to the scapula)

Question 11

Inversion

Answer 11

Turning in of the soles of the feet so that they face each other.

Question 12

Eversion

Answer 12

Turning out of the soles so that they face away from each other.

Question 13

Dorsiflexion

Answer 13

Bending the foot at the ankle so the toes move up toward the shin (toe raise).

Question 14

Plantarflexion

Answer 14

Bending the foot at the ankle so the toes point down (calf raise).

Question 15

Supination

Answer 15

Movement of the body part so that it is face up or forward.

Question 16

Pronation

Answer 16

Movement of the body part so that it faces down or back.

Question 17

Opposition

Answer 17

Movement of the thumb across the palm to touch the finger tips.

Question 18

Retraction

Answer 18

A posterior (backward) movement (eg: pulling your shoulder blades together and back).

Question 19

Protraction

Answer 19

An anterior (forward) movement (eg: rounding your shoulders forward).

Question 20

Transverse (Horizontal Flexion)

Answer 20

Movement from a 90 degree abducted arm position. The humerus is flexed in towards the midline of the body.

Question 21

Transverse (Horizontal Extension)

Answer 21

Movement returning the humerus from horizontal flexion.