Anatomical Joint Actions and Body Movements Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining various joint actions and anatomical movements of the body including the hip, pelvis, lumbar spine, scapula, radioulnar joint, and wrist.

Flexion

The decrease of an angle at the joint, or any movement that "rolls" towards the body / Fetal Position (e.g., elbow flexion).

Extension

The increase of an angle at the joint, coming out of the Fetal Position (e.g., knee extension).

Abduction

Moving a limb away from the midline (e.g., hip abduction).

Adduction

Moving a limb towards the midline (e.g., shoulder adduction).

Internal Rotation (Medial)

Turning a limb towards the midline (e.g., shoulder internal rotation).

External Rotation (Lateral)

Turning a limb away from the midline (e.g., shoulder external rotation).

Dorsiflexion

Moving the top of the foot upwards so the dorsal portion (top) of the foot moves closer to the shin.

Plantar Flexion

Moving the bottom of the foot downwards so the dorsal portion (top) of the foot moves away from the shin.

Inversion

Movement where the bottom of the foot turns toward the midline and the lateral side goes down; typical ankle sprain position.

Eversion

Movement where the bottom of the foot turns away from the midline and the lateral side of the foot goes up.

Horizontal Abduction

Action specific to the hip and shoulder where the limb is moved in the transverse plane, away from the midline.

Horizontal Adduction

Action specific to the hip and shoulder where the limb is moved in the transverse plane, toward the midline.

Circumduction

A combination movement that includes flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction resulting in a cone-like, multiplanar motion.

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)

Anatomical landmark of the pelvis used to define pelvic girdle motions.

Anterior Pelvic Girdle Rotation

Pelvic motion where the ASIS rotates forward in the sagittal plane.

Posterior Pelvic Girdle Rotation

Pelvic motion where the ASIS rotates backwards in the sagittal plane.

Right Transverse Pelvic Girdle Rotation

Pelvic motion where the right ASIS rotates posteriorly to the right.

Left Transverse Pelvic Girdle Rotation

Pelvic motion where the left ASIS rotates posteriorly to the left.

Right Lateral Pelvic Girdle Rotation

Pelvic motion where the right ASIS moves inferiorly in the frontal plane.

Left Lateral Pelvic Girdle Rotation

Pelvic motion where the left ASIS moves inferiorly in the frontal plane.

Right Lateral Lumbar Flexion

Lumbar action where the upper body flexes to the right (right lateral bending).

Left Lateral Lumbar Flexion

Lumbar action where the upper body flexes to the left (left lateral bending).

Lumbar Reduction

Action specific to the lumbar spine involving returning back to neutral from lateral flexion.

Upward Rotation

Scapular action where the inferior angle moves superiorly and laterally.

Downward Rotation

Scapular action where the inferior angle moves inferiorly and medially.

Protraction

Scapular action where the vertebral border of the scapula moves away from the midline (e.g., spine).

Retraction

Scapular action where the vertebral border of the scapula moves towards the midline (e.g., spine).

Elevation

Scapular action where the scapula moves upwards.

Depression

Scapular action where the scapula moves downwards.

Pronation

Radioulnar joint action when the thumb is positioned on the medial side of the elbow (distal to elbow), palm down.

Supination

Radioulnar joint action when the thumb is positioned on the lateral side of the elbow, palm up (e.g., holding a cup of soup).

Radial Deviation

Wrist or radiocarpal joint action where the 1st thumb digit moves towards the forearm (e.g., radial flexion).

Ulnar Deviation

Wrist or radiocarpal joint action where the 5th digit pinky moves towards the forearm (e.g., ulnar flexion).