Anatomical Movements

Flexion

decreases angle between 2 body parts at a joint (bending a joint)

Extension

increasing angle between 2 body parts (straightens a joint)

Adduction

movement of a body part inward, toward the midline.

Abduction

movement of a body part away from midline.

Circumduction

combination of all 4 basic movements; continuous circular movement of a body part.

Rotation

a bone/body part turns/spins around its own longitudinal axis

Supination

rotational movement of the forearm that turns the palm upward

Pronation

rotational movement where the palm faces downward

Protraction

to protrude out a part of the body

Retraction

to bring back a part of the body; opposite of retraction

Flexion and Extension Examples

bending/extension at elbow joint and knee joint.

Adduction and Abduction Examples

bringing the fingers/legs/arms away/closer from/to midline.

Protraction and Retraction Examples

Scapula: Pulling the shoulder blades backward and inward toward the spine.

Mandible: Jutting your lower jaw forward / Pulling your lower jaw back into a normal alignment.

Chin: Pushing your head/chin forward / Pulling your head straight back.