Movement Terminology - Axial Skeleton

Question 1

Flexion

Answer 1

Movement that decreases the angle between two body parts, e.g forward fold, knee bend or biceps curls. Sagittal plane.

Question 2

Extension

Answer 2

Movement that increases the angle between two body parts, e.g. back bend or knee kick. Sagittal plane.

Question 3

Rotation

Answer 3

Pivoting moment. Spinal rotation is broken down into left and right rotation, e.g. criss cross or thread the needle. Transverse plane

Question 4

Lateral Flexion

Answer 4

Movement of the spine laterally away from the midline of the body. Seen when we bend to one side, e.g. taking your ear toward your shoulder (lateral neck flexion), mermaid or side plank. This movement only occurs at the spine. Frontal plane.