Anatomical Joint Movements

Flexion

Decreases the angle of a joint; brings articulating bones closer together.

Extension

Increases the angle between articulating bones; straightens a flexed body part.

Abduction

Movement away from the body midline.

Adduction

Movement toward the body midline.

Circumduction

Limb moves in a cone-shaped path.

Rotation

Turning a bone around its own long axis.

Elevation

Lifting a body part superiorly.

Depression

Moving an elevated body part inferiorly.

Inversion

Sole of the foot turns medially.

Eversion

Sole of the foot turns laterally.

Dorsiflexion

Lifting the foot so the superior surface approaches the shin.

Plantar flexion

Depressing the foot; pointing the toes.

Supination

Turning the forearm so the palm faces anteriorly/upward; hold the soup.

Pronation

Turning the forearm so the palm faces posteriorly/downward; pour the soup.