Kinematic Concepts & Motion

Body Planes: Sagittal plane

Separates the body into right and left halves.

Body Planes: Frontal plane

Separates the body into front and back halves.

Body Planes: Transverse plane

Separates the body into top and bottom halves.

What is Anatomical Position?

Standard body reference position used to describe movements and directions.

Define Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

Define Inferior

Away from the head or toward the lower part of the body.

Define Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Define Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Define Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Define Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Define Proximal

Closer to the trunk of the body.

Define Distal

Farther from the trunk of the body.

Define Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Define Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

Sagittal Plane Motions

Flexion and Extension.

What is Flexion?

Anterior-directed motion.

What is Extension?

Posterior-directed motion or return from flexed position.

What is Hyperextension?

Extension beyond normal range (beyond 0°).

Frontal Plane Motions

Abduction and Adduction.

What is Adduction?

Segment moves closer to midline.

What is Abduction?

Segment moves away from midline.

Transverse Plane Motions

Rotational movements along the longitudinal axis.

What is Spinal Rotation?

Rotation of neck

What is Medial (internal) Rotation?

Rotation toward the midline (shoulders and hips).

What is Lateral (external) Rotation?

Rotation away from the midline (shoulders and hips).

What is Horizontal Adduction?

Movement in transverse plane from lateral to anterior.

What is Horizontal Abduction?

Movement in transverse plane from anterior to lateral.

What is Pronation?

Rotational movement of the forearm with palm facing posteriorly.

What is Supination?

Rotational movement of the forearm with palm facing anteriorly (“holding soup”).