Muscle Movements and Joint Actions: Anatomy and Physiology

Abduction

Movement of a body part away from the midline

Adduction

Movement of a body part toward the midline

Flexion

Bending a joint; decreases the angle between two body parts

Extension

Straightening movement; increases the angle between two body parts

Hyperextension

Extension of a joint beyond its normal range of motion

Dorsiflexion

Upward foot movement at the ankle, bringing toes toward the shin

Plantarflexion

Downward foot movement at the ankle, pointing toes away from the shin

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot inward toward the midline

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot outward, away from the midline

Circumduction

Circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, adduction

Rotation

Movement of a bone around its longitudinal axis

Supination

Rotating forearm so the palm faces upward

Pronation

Rotating forearm so the palm faces downward

Elevation

Lifting a body part upward

Depression

Lowering a body part downward