anatomical directions and movements

Flexion

movement at a joint that decrease in the angle between two bones

Extension

a movement at a joint that increases the angle between two bones

Adduction

movement of a limb towards the midline of the body

Abduction

movement of a limb away from the midline of the body

Rotation

movement of a bone around its axis

Circumduction

a circular movement that combines flexion, extension, adduction and abduction

Inversion

turning the sole of the foot inwards, towards the midline

Eversion

turning the sole of the foot outwards, away from the midline

Pronation

rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces down

Supination

rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces up

Horizontal flexion

moving a limb horizontally toward the midline of the body at a shoulder or hip level

Horizontal extension

moving a limb horizontally away from the midline of the body at a shoulder or hip level

Superior

towards the top

Inferior

towards the bottom

Anterior/ventral

close to front (side view)

Posterior/dorsal

close to back (side view)

Medial

toward the middle of the body

Lateral

away from the middle of the body

Proximal

closer to the axial of the body

Distal

further from the axial of the body

Superficial

closer to the surface of the body

Deep

further from the surface of the body