Types of Movements at Synovial Joints

Flexion

Sagittal plane movement where the angle between articulating bones decreases.

Extension

Sagittal plane movement where the angle between articulating bones increases.

Hyperextension

Extension beyond anatomical position.

Abduction

Movement away from the body midline in the frontal plane.

Adduction

Movement toward the body midline.

Circumduction

Smooth sequence of flexion, abduction, extension, & adduction at the joint.

Medial rotation

Longitudinal axis rotation where the anterior limb surface moves toward the body midline.

Lateral rotation

Longitudinal axis rotation where the anterior limb surface moves away from the body midline.

Left and right rotation

Movement around the body’s longitudinal axis, such as shaking the head 'no'.

Left and right lateral flexion

Sideways bending of the body.

Dorsiflexion

Movement where the toes point upward (toes to nose).

Plantar flexion

Movement where the toes point downward (pointing the toes).

Inversion

Movement where the sole of the foot moves medially.

Eversion

Movement where the sole of the foot moves away from the midline.

Elevation

Upward movement, such as shrugging shoulders or closing the mouth.

Depression

Downward movement, such as opening the mouth.

Protraction

Moving a body part anteriorly in the transverse plane, such as pulling the scapula together.

Retraction

Returning a protracted body part back to anatomical position.

Pronation

Rotational movement where the wrist and palm move posterior.

Supination

Rotational movement where the wrist and palm turn anterior.

Opposition

The thumb moves across the palm toward the tips of the fingers on the same hand.