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Directional Terms
Words used to describe positions of body parts (e.g., anterior = front, posterior = back).
Axis of Rotation
An imaginary line around which a body part moves (e.g., shoulder rotates around a vertical axis).
Body Planes
Imaginary flat surfaces dividing the body into sections (sagittal, frontal, transverse).
Anatomical Position
Standard posture where a person stands upright, facing forward with arms at their sides and palms facing outward.
Kinetic Chain
The concept that body segments are connected and movement in one affects others.
Open Chain vs Closed Chain
Open chain: Distal part moves freely (e.g., bicep curl). Closed chain: Distal part is fixed (e.g., squat).
Uniaxial Joint
A joint that allows movement in one plane (e.g., elbow).
Biaxial Joint
A joint that allows movement in two planes (e.g., wrist).
Kinesiology
The study of human movement.
Biomechanics
The study of forces acting on the body during movement.
Kinetics
The study of forces that cause motion.
Mechanics
The study of motion and how forces affect it.
Gait
A person’s way of walking.
Hypermobile
When a joint moves beyond its normal range of motion.
Statics
The study of forces in non-moving systems.
Dynamics
The study of forces in moving systems.
Newton’s First Law of Motion
An object at rest stays at rest unless acted on by a force.
Newton’s Second Law of Motion
Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma).
Newton’s Third Law of Motion
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Center of Gravity
The point where body weight is evenly distributed.
Levers
Rigid structures that pivot around a point.
First-Class Lever
Fulcrum in the middle (e.g., seesaw).
Second-Class Lever
Resistance in the middle (e.g., wheelbarrow).
Third-Class Lever
Effort in the middle (e.g., bicep curl).
Linear Force
Forces acting in the same straight line.
Friction
The force that resists movement between two surfaces.
Traction
A force that pulls or stretches a body part.
Compression
A force that squeezes or pushes parts together.
Bending Force
A force that causes a structure to curve.
Shear Force
A force that causes layers of a structure to slide past each other.
Torsion
A force that twists a structure.
Torque
A force that creates rotation.
Synarthrosis Joint
An immovable joint.
Diarthrosis Joint
A freely movable joint (e.g., shoulder).
Types of Cartilage
Hyaline (covers joints), Fibrocartilage (shock absorption), Elastic (flexibility, found in ears/nose).
Types of End Feel
Hard (bone-on-bone), Soft (tissue stops movement), Firm (ligament or muscle resistance).
Concave/Convex Relationship
Describes how joint surfaces move relative to each other.
Fibrous Joint
An immovable joint.
Cartilaginous Joint
A slightly movable joint.
Synovial Joint
A freely movable joint.
Osteokinematics
Large joint movements like flexion and extension.
Arthrokinematics
Small joint movements such as roll, spin, and glide.
Roll, Spin, Glide
Types of joint movement.
Common Joint Pathologies
Includes arthritis, dislocations, sprains, and bursitis.
