movement of synovial joints

Flexion

A movement, generally in the sagittal plane, that decreases the angle of the joint and reduces the distance between 2 bones

What types of joint have flexion movement?

Hinge joints (bending the knee or elbow) and ball-and-socket joints (bending forward at the hip)

Extension

A movement that increases the angle of joint and the distance between 2 bones or part of body; opposite of flexion

Abduction

Movement of limb away from the midline of the body, along the frontal plane, or the fanning movement of fingers or toes when they are spread apart

Adduction

Movement of a limb towards the midline of the body or drawing the fingers or toes together; opposite of abduction

Rotation

Movement of a bone around its longitudinal axis without laternal or medial displacement.

What joints do rotation movement?

Ball-and-socket joints and atlas around dens of axis

Circumduction

A combination of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. The limb as a whole outlines a cone

What joints do circumduction movement?

Ball-and-socket joints like the shoulder

Pronation

Movement of palm of the hand from an anterior or upward facing position to a posterior or downward facing position.

Example of pronation movement

The distal end of the radius rotates over the ulna so that the bones form an X with pronation of the foreman

Supination

Movement of the palm from a posterior position to an anterior position (anatomical position); opposite of pronation

What happens to the ulna and radius during supination?

The radius and ulna are parallel

What movements only has to do with the foot?

• dorsiflexion

• Plantar flexion

• Inversion

• Eversion

Dorsiflexion

A movement of the ankle joint that lifts the foot so that it’s superior surface approaches the shin

Plantar flexion

A movement of the ankle joint in which the foot is flexed downward as if standing on one’s toes or pointing the toes

Inversion

A movement that turns the sole of foot medically

Eversion

A movement that turns the sole of foot laterally; opposite of inversion