A&P Characteristics to name angular movements and special movements

Extension

Involves an increase in the angle between articulating bones; usually in the sagittal plane

Hyperextension

Continuation of extension beyond the anatomical position

Flexion

Involves a decrease in the angle between articulating bones usually in the sagittal plane.

Lateral flexion

Movement of the torso in the frontal plane

Abduction

Movement of a bone away from the midline; usually in the frontal plane

Adduction

Movement of a bone toward the midline; usually in the frontal plane

Circumduction

A combination of flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction in succession, in which the distal end of a part of the body describes a circle.

Elevation

Movement of a part of the body superiorly

Depression

Movement of a part of the body inferiorly

Supination

Movement of the forearm in which the palm is turned anteriorly or superiorly 

Pronation

Movement of the forearm in which the palm is turned posteriorly or inferiorly

Inversion

Movement of the soles of the foot medially so they face towards each other

Eversion

Movement of the soles of the foot laterally so they face away from each other

Dorsiflexion

Bending the foot in the direction of the dorsum (Superior Surface)

Plantar Flexion

Bending the foot in the direction of the plantar surface (sole)

Protraction

Movement of a part of the body to the anterior; in the transverse plane

Retraction

Movement of a part of the body to the posterior; in the transverse plane.

Opposition 

Movement of the thumb across the palm to touch the tips of the fingers on the same hand.

Rotation

Movement of a bone around its own longitudinal axis; in the limbs; it may be medial (towards the midline) or lateral (away from the midline)