Lesson 14A: Overview of Movements

Flexion

A movement that decreases the angle between two body parts, moving them closer together.

Extension

A movement that increases the angle between body parts, straightening them out.

Abduction

A movement that moves a limb laterally away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

A movement that brings a limb toward the body or across the midline.

Circumduction

A circular movement where one end of a body region stays stationary while the other describes a circle.

Rotation

A circular movement of a limb around its own long axis, can be medial or lateral.

Superior Rotation

Movement of the scapula that raises the glenoid cavity upward.

Inferior Rotation

Movement of the scapula that lowers the glenoid cavity downward.

Supination

Forearm movement that turns the palm up, returning the radius and ulna to parallel positions.

Pronation

Forearm movement that turns the palm down and causes the radius and ulna to cross.

Dorsiflexion

Movement at the ankle where the foot is lifted towards the front of the leg.

Plantar Flexion

Movement at the ankle where the heel is lifted from the ground or the toes are pointed down.

Inversion

Turning of the foot so the bottom faces toward the midline.

Eversion

Turning of the foot so the bottom faces away from the midline.

Protraction

Movement of the scapula or mandible forward, away from the spine.

Retraction

Movement of the scapula or mandible backward, towards the spine.

Elevation

Upward movement of the scapula or mandible.

Depression

Downward movement of the scapula or mandible.

Opposition

Grasping movement of the thumb bringing its tip in contact with a finger tip.

Reposition

The movement of returning the thumb to its anatomical position next to the index finger.