Terms of Movement Flashcards
Flexion
Movement that decreases the angle between two parts. Usually a movement to a more anterior location from anatomical position.
Extension
Movement that increases the angle between two parts. Usually a movement to a more posterior location from anatomical position.
Adduction
Movement of an appendage away from the median sagittal plane. With regard to the fingers and toes: abduction spreads them away from the middle digit, while adduction draws them together toward the middle digit. With regard to the thumb: abduction moves it anteriorly, away from the plane defined by the palm. Adduction moves it posteriorly, toward the plane defined by the palm.
Rotation
Movement that occurs around a central axis of a body part.
Pronation
Rotary movement of the forearm so that the palm of the hand faces posteriorly (in extension) or inferiorly (in flexion). Palms should face downward.
Supination
Rotary movement of the forearm so that the palm faces anteriorly (in extension) or superiorly (in flexion).
Eversion
Turning the sole of the foot outward to face away from the midline.
Inversion
Turning the sole of the foot inward to face toward the midline.
Plantarflexion
Movement of the foot at the ankle so that the ball of the foot moves inferiorly, as when you stand on your toes.
Dorsiflexion
Movement of the foot at the ankle so that the ball of the foot moves superiorly, as when you stand on your heels.
Circumduction
Movement of an appendage in a circular or cone-shaped path. This involves abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension.
Opposition
Movement of the thumb to touch a fingertip. This involves abduction, flexion, and medial rotation of the thumb.
Abduction
Movement of an appendage away from the median sagittal plane.
