Joint Movements

Flexion

decreasing the joint angle

Extension

returns the body part to zero position

Abduction

movement of a body part in the frontal plane away from the midline

Adduction

movement of a body part in the frontal plane towards the midline

Rotation (lateral and medial)

bone spins on its longitudinal axis

Circumduction

one end remains stationary, and the other end makes a circular motion

Pronation

forearm movement that turns the palm to face posteriorly

Supination

forearm movement that turns the palm to face anteriorly

Inversion

movement in which the soles are turned medially

Eversion

movement in which the soles are turned laterally

Dorsiflexion

elevation of the toes

Plantar flexion

extension of the foot so that the toes point downward

Protraction

anterior movement of a body part in the transverse plane

Retraction

posterior movement

Elevation

raises a body part vertically in the frontal plane

Depression

lowers a body part in the same plane