Anatomical Terms: Movement + Anatomical Position

Flexion

Decrease in the angle between two bones

Extension

Increase in the angle between two bones

Hyperextension

Continuation of extension beyond normal

Abduction

Moving bone away from midline “UFO’s Adbuct away”

Adduction

Moving bone towards midline. “Adding to the body”

Circumduction

Movement of body part in a circular motion

Rotation

Bone revolving around its own longitudinal axis

Dorsiflexion

Bending of foot upwards (At ankle)

Plantarflexion

Bending of foot downwards (At Ankle)

Supination

Turning of forearm upwards. “Palms Up”

Pronation

Turning of forearms downward. “Palms down”

Hinge Joint

A joint that allows opening and closing on one plane like the knee or elbow

Ball and Socket Joint

Ball-like surface fitting into a cup-like surface. Shoulders and Hips)

Supine

Laying face up

Prone

Laying face down

Lateral

Further from midline

Medial

Nearer to midline

Superficial

Towards Surface of body

Deep

Away from surface of skin

Anterior

Nearer to front of body

Posterior

Nearer to back of body

Superior

Towards the head

Inferior

Away from the head

Proximal

Limb nearer to point of attachment to the trunk

Distal

Limb further from the point of attachment