Terms for Bodily Motions

Flexion

Joint angle decreased

Extension

Joint angle increased

Flexion of Torso

Bending torso anteriorly, as in bowing

Extension of Torso

Bending torso posteriorly

Abduction

Move away from midline

Adduction

Move towards midline

Finger and Toe Abduction

Move finger and toes away from the middle digit

Finger and Toe Adduction

Move finger and toe towards the middle digit

Circumduction

Circular movement of a limb

Rotation

Rotate a limb on its long axis

Medial Rotation

Rotating towards body’s midline

Lateral Rotation

Rotating away from body’s midline

Pronation

Turn palm medially facing the body,Supination or posteriorly, or downwards facing the ground

Supination

Turn palm laterally facing away from body, or upwards, facing the sky

Dorsiflexion

Bend the ankle so the foot tilts upwards to be closer to the shin

Plantar Flexion

Bend the ankle so the foot moves downwards. to be away from the shin

Inversion

Bend the ankle so the plantar surface of the foot faces medially

Eversion

Bend the ankle so the plantar surface of the foot faces laterally