Movements of the Body

Flexion

movement that decreases the angle between 2 body parts, bend limb

Extension

movement that increases the angle between 2 body parts, straighten limb

Hyperextension

extension continues past anatomical position

Abduction

movement away from the body

Adduction

movement towards the body

Circumduction

the distal ends of the limb moves in a circle

Medial Rotation

rotation of a limb towards the midline

Lateral Rotation

rotation of a limb away from the midline

Pronation

medial rotation of the forearm so the hand is pointed posteriorly

Supination

lateral rotation of the forearm so the hand is pointed anteriorly

Depression

lowering a body part inferiorly

Elevation

raising a body part superiorly

Protraction

jutting anteriorly of any body part from anatomical position

Retraction

posterior movement of any body part from anatomical position

Inversion

turn sole of the foot medially

Eversion

turn sole of the foot laterally

Plantarflexion

movement of the foot down away from the shin

Dorsiflexion

movement of the foot up towards the shin

opposition

movement of bringing your thumb and pointer finger together