Structural Kinesiology Movement Descriptors

Covers positional descriptors, both general and limb specific. Also covers planes and axes.

Superior

Above/Top

Can be written as “supra”

Inferior

Below/Bottom

Can be written as “infra”

Medial

Closer to the midline

Can be written as “medio” or “medialis”

Lateral

Further from the midline

Can be written as “latero” or “lateralis”

Anterior

Towards the front

Posterior

Towards the backP

Proximal

Closer to the trunk/origin

Distal

Further away from the trunk/origin

Deep

Away from the surface

Superficial

Towards the surface

Palmar

Pertaining to the palm

Dorsal

Back of hand

Top of foot

Plantar

The sole of the foot

Sagittal Plane & Frontal Axis

Cuts you into left and right

Movements seen in full from the side

Flexion and Extension

Frontal Plane & Sagittal Axis

Cuts you into front and back

Movements seen in full from the front

Abduction and Adduction

Transverse Plane & Longitudinal Axis

Cuts you into top and bottom

movements seen in full from the top looking down

Internal and External Rotation