Wk2 L3 - Reference planes, movements and axes

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right halves.

Frontal / Coronal Plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

Axial Plane

Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.

Flexion

Reduces the angle between articulate bones, e.g., bending the elbow.

Extension

Increases the angle between articulate bones, e.g., straightening the elbow.

Hyperextension

Movement beyond the normal extension limit.

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the midline.

Adduction

Movement of a limb towards the midline.

Rotation

Rotation around the trunk (left/right) or limbs (medial/lateral, internal/external).

Frontal Axis

Axis around which movement in the sagittal plane pivots - flexion and extension.

Sagittal Axis

Axis around which movement in the frontal plane pivots - abduction and adduction.

Longitudinal Axis

Axis around which movement in the axial (transverse/horizontal) plane pivots - rotation.

Physiological Movements

Voluntary movements contributing to physical activities, such as flexion and extension.

Accessory Movements

Movements not directly under voluntary control, essential for normal functional movement.

Importance of Anatomical Terminology

Essential for naming structures and describing positions/actions for clear communication.

Medial/Internal Rotation

Refers to movement towards the midline of the body.

Lateral/External Rotation

Refers to movement away from the midline of the body.