Terms of Movement

Question 1

Extension (normally in posterior direction)

Answer 1

Straighten or increase angle between bones or body parts

Question 2

Dorsiflexion (dorsal surface is top of foot)

Answer 2

Flexion/Bend of ankle joint upwards towards body

Question 3

Plantarflexion (plantar/caudal/posterior surface is bottom of foot)

Answer 3

Bend foot and toes towards ground (e.g. Tippie toes)

Question 4

Hyperextension (overextension)

Answer 4

Extension of limb or part beyond normal limit > injury, e.g. whiplash

Question 5

Abduction (except of digits)

Answer 5

Move away from median plane

Question 6

Abduction of digits

Answer 6

Spreading fingers/toes apart, away from middle finger or 2nd toe

Question 7

Adduction (except of digits)

Answer 7

Moving towards the median plane

Question 8

Adduction of digits

Answer 8

Bring fingers/toes towards middle finger or 2nd toe

Question 9

Circumduction (sequence of movements)

Answer 9

Circular movement involving flexion, abduction, extension and adduction.

Question 10

Rotation

Answer 10

Revolve part of body around its longitudinal axis

Question 11

Flexion (normally in anterior direction)

Answer 11

Bend or decrease angle between bones or body parts

Question 12

Pronation (of arm and hand)

Answer 12

Rotate the radius medially so palm of hand faces posteriorly

Question 13

Supination (of arm and hand)

Answer 13

Rotate the radius laterally to return to the anatomical position

Question 14

Eversion (full eversion = dorsiflexion)

Answer 14

Move the sole of the foot away from the median plane

Question 15

Inversion (full inversion = plantarflexion)

Answer 15

Move the sole of the foot towards the median plane

Question 16

Opposition

Answer 16

Move the pad of 1st digit (thumb) to touch another digit pad (finger)

Question 17

Reposition

Answer 17

Move thumb back from another digit pad to the anatomical position.

Question 18

Protrusion

Answer 18

Movement in the forward/anterior direction. E.g. Protrude the mandible (chin) or tongue.

Question 19

Retrusion

Answer 19

Movement in the posterior/backwards direction, e.g. putting tongue back in.