Synovial joint movements

Flexion

joint angle decreases

Extension

joint angle increases

hyperextension

extends beyond straightened position

Aduction

movement of structure away from the midline

Abduction

movement of structure toward the midline

Circumduction

movement of one end of appendage in a circular motion while the rest of the appendage is stationary

Rotation

movement of bone that spins along the longitudinal axis

Elevation

movement of body part vertically in frontal plane

Depression

movement of body part inferiorly in frontal plane

Protraction

movement of lower jaw to bring lower incisors forward

Retraction

movement of lower jaw to bring upper incisors forward

Excursion

Side to side movement of lower jaw to grind food

Supination

movement of forearm that moves palm to face anteriorly in anatomical position

Pronation

movement of forearm that moves palm to face posteriorly in anatomical position; radius crosses ulna

opposition

movement of thumb to touch the tip of any of the other four fingers

Reposition

movement of thumb to return to neutral position

Dorsiflexion

elevation of the toes

Plantar flexion

depression of the toes

Inversion

movement of the sole of the foot toward the midline

Eversion

movement of the sole of the foot laterally

Factors affecting contact and ROM at synovial joints

structure and shape of bones; strength and tautness of the joint ligaments; arrangement and tension of muscles; contact of soft parts; hormones; disuse