Synovial joints movement

Flexion

decreases angle of anatomical position, bending elbow or knee

Extension

straightens joint, straightening elbow or knee

Hyperextension

more than 180 extension, raising head to ceiling

Abduction

moving extremities away from midline, raising arm from side of body

Adduction

movement back toward median plane

Elevation

movement that raises body part vertically, shoulders when lifting suitcase 

Retraction

moving shoulders backward, military position

Protraction

moving shoulders forward, hugging someone

Circumduction

circular movement around a point, baseball player throwing circular pitch

Rotation

movement around a longitudinal axis, both lateral and medial, forehand and backhand strokes in tennis

Supination

rotation of forearm so palm faces forward or upward

Pronation

rotation of forearm so that palm faces backward

Inversion

lift soles of feet towards each other

Eversion

lift soles of feet away from each other

Plantar flexion

movement where toes are pointed downward, pressing on gas pedal

Dorsflexion

movement where toes are raised and soles are pointed downward, walking on heel

Depression

lowering body part vertically, lowering mandible