Anatomical Movements

Abduction

movement away from the midline of the body

Adduction

movement towards the midline of the body

Lateral rotation

turning a bone or limb away from the body’s midline

Medial rotation

turning a bone or limb towards the body’s midline

Flexion

a movement that decreases the joint’s angle

Extension

a movement that increases the joint’s angle

Elevation

lifting superiorly, as in shrugging the shoulders

Depression

a movement that lowers a body part, such as dropping the shoulders

Pronation

the medial rotation of the forearm, causing the palms to face down and thumbs to point inward

You have to ____ to pick up your produce.

pronate

Supination

the lateral rotation of the forearm, causing the palms to face up and thumbs to point outward

You have to ___ to eat your produce.

supinate

Circumduction

the circular movement of a limb that involves a combination of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction