Anatomical Terminology and Body Movements

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical terminology, positions, planes of the body, and specific joint movements based on lecture notes.

Anatomical Terminology

Terms used to describe movement and the locations of body structures to allow for clear communication between medical professionals.

Anatomical Position

The reference point for body movement and location where the body is standing upright, facing forward, arms at side, palms forward, legs parallel, feet flat on floor, and toes pointed forward.

Anterior

The front of the body; for example, the patella (knee cap) is located on this surface.

Posterior

The back of the body; for example, the scapula (shoulder blade) is located on this surface.

Superior

Used to describe a body part that is upper or above another; the head is superior to the feet.

Inferior

Used to describe a body part that is lower or below another; the feet are inferior to the head.

Medial

Toward the mid-line or median plane of the body.

Lateral

Away from the mid-line of the body.

Proximal

Closest to the trunk or point of reference; used mainly to describe extremities and appendages.

Distal

Farthest from the trunk or point of reference; used mainly to describe extremities and appendages.

Palmar side

The palm of the hand.

Dorsal side

The back of the hand or the top of the foot.

Plantar side

The bottom of the foot.

Sagittal Plane

A lengthwise cut that divides the body into right and left halves.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse (horizontal) Plane

A horizontal cut that divides the body into upper and lower parts.

Flexion

To bend at a joint.

Extension

To straighten at a joint.

Hyper-Extension

Extension of a joint beyond the anatomical position.

Plantar flexion

Movement of the ankle downward.

Dorsal flexion

Movement of the ankle upward.

Abduction

To move away or deviate from the midline of the body.

Adduction

To move toward or draw toward the midline of the body.

Eversion

Turning the ankle/foot outward.

Inversion

Turning the ankle/foot inward.

Lateral bending

Movement from the midline in the frontal plane, specifically occurring in the neck and back.

Radial Deviation

Wrist abduction.

Ulnar Deviation

Wrist adduction.

External Rotation

Rotary motion in the transverse plane away from the midline.

Internal Rotation

Rotary motion in the transverse plane toward the midline.

Horizontal Abduction

Movement of a body part away from the midline in the horizontal plane.

Horizontal Adduction

Movement of a body part toward the midline in the transverse plane.

Rotation

Movement around an axis.

Retraction

To pull the scapulas in a backward motion.

Protraction

To elevate and push the scapulas towards the frontal plane.

Varus

Deviation of a joint away from the midline of the body (lateral), commonly referred to as being 'Bow Legged'.

Valgus

Deviation of a joint toward the midline of the body (medial), commonly referred to as 'Knock Kneed'.

Pronation (Hand)

Turning the palm downward, similar to the action of pouring something out.

Pronation of the foot and Arch

A combination of eversion and abduction movements resulting in a lowering of the medial margin of the foot, also known as flat foot or fallen arch.

Supination (Hand)

Turning the palm upward.

Supination of the foot and arch

Refers to raising the medial margin of the foot.