Anatomy movements

flexion

bending or decreasing the angle between bones or parts of the body

extension

straightening or increasing the angle between the bones or parts of the body (returns the body to anatomical position) 

abduction

movement away from the midline in the frontal plane 

adduction

movement back to anatomical position (toward the midline of the body)

Circumduction

a circular movement that is a combination of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction occuring in such a way that the distal end of the part moves in a circle.

rotation

turning or revolving a part of the body around its longitudinal axis

medial rotation (internal)

rings anterior surface of limb toward the median plane

lateral rotation (external)

takes anterior surface away from median plane

pronation

movement of forearm and hand that rotates radius medially around its longitudinal axis so that palm faces posteriorly 

supination

movement of forearm and hand that rotates radius laterally so that palm faces anteriorly

inversion

moves sole of foot toward median plane (turns the sole inward, elevating medial edge of sole)

eversion

moves sole of foot away from median plane (turns the sole outward, elevating the lateral edge)

Dorsiflexion

flexion at ankle joint, lifting toes off ground

Plantar flexion

turns toes toward the plantar surface, elevates heel (stand on tiptoe)

Opposition

pad of first digit (thumb) is brought to the pad of another digit

Protraction

move part of the body anteriorly

Retraction

move part of the body posteriorly

elevation

raises/moves part superiorly (close mouth, shrug shoulders)

depression

lowers/ moves part inferiorly

• Open mouth (depress mandible)

lateral flexion

when vertebral column bends to the side