Body Movement - Medical Terminology ✨

Abduction

movement away from the midline (away from the sagittal plane)

Adduction

movement toward the midline (toward the sagittal plane)

Circumduction

circular movement with one end stationary

Rotation

movement around an axis

Flexion

bending action

Extension

straightening action

Hyperflexion

excessive bending

Hyperextension

excessive straightening

Lateral flexion

bending to the side

Dorsiflexion

backward bending (of hand/foot)

Plantar flexion

foot bending so toes point down

Eversion

turning the foot outward (bottom moves away from midline)

Inversion

turning the foot inward (bottom moves toward midline)

Supination

turning the palm or foot upward

Pronation

turning the palm or foot downward

Protraction

forward movement (of shoulder or jaw)

Retraction

backward movement

Depression

lowering a body part

Elevation

raising a body part

Excursion

side-to-side movement (e.g., jaw)

Opposition

thumb moving toward the fingers

Reposition

returning the thumb to anatomical position