Prelim Module: Directional Terms and Basic Movements (Video Notes)

Flashcards covering directional terms (superior, inferior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal, anterior, posterior, superficial, deep) and basic movements (flexion, extension, hyperextension, dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, eversion, abduction, adduction, circumduction, rotation, medial/lateral rotation, protraction/retraction, elevation/depression, and tilt.

What does the anatomical term 'superior' refer to?

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

What does the anatomical term 'inferior' refer to?

Toward the feet or lower part of the body.

What does the anatomical term 'anterior (ventral)' refer to?

Toward the front of the body.

What does the anatomical term 'posterior (dorsal)' refer to?

Toward the back of the body.

What does the anatomical term 'medial' refer to?

Toward the midline of the body.

What does the anatomical term 'lateral' refer to?

Away from the midline of the body; toward the sides.

What does the anatomical term 'proximal' refer to?

Closest to the point of attachment or origin.

What does the anatomical term 'distal' refer to?

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

What does the anatomical term 'superficial' refer to?

Near or at the body surface.

What does the anatomical term 'deep' refer to?

Away from the surface; more internal.

What is flexion in terms of joint angle?

Bending that decreases the angle between two body parts.

What is anterior flexion (flexion) commonly described as?

Forward bending of the neck or body.

What is extension in terms of joint angle?

Increasing the angle between body parts; straightening from a flexed position.

What is hyperextension?

Extending a joint beyond the straight or neutral position.

What is dorsiflexion?

Decreases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the lower leg; toes move upward.

What is plantar flexion?

Extending the ankle; moving the foot downward toward the plantar surface.

What is eversion?

Outward stress movement of the foot at the ankle.

What is inversion?

Inward stress movement of the foot at the ankle without rotation of the leg.

What does 'valgus' deformity refer to in the foot?

Outward angulation/deformity of the distal part (e.g., a valgus foot).

What does 'varus' deformity refer to in the foot?

Inward angulation/deformity of the distal part (e.g., a varus foot).

What is abduction in anatomical terms?

Movement away from the body; spreading limbs or digits apart.

What is adduction in anatomical terms?

Movement toward the body’s midline; bringing limbs or digits together.

What is circumduction?

A circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

What is medial rotation?

Rotation toward the midline of the body.

What is lateral rotation?

Rotation away from the midline of the body.

What is rotation in anatomical terms?

Turning a body part around its own axis.

What is tilt (as a movement)?

A slanting or tilting movement with respect to the long axis.

What is protraction?

Movement forward from a normal position.

What is retraction?

Movement backward or the condition of being drawn back.

What is elevation in anatomical terms?

Lifting, raising, or moving a part superiorly.

What is depression in anatomical terms?

Lowering or moving a part inferiorly.

What does 'circumduction' mean?

Move around in a circle.

What is the difference between rotation and tilt?

Rotation is turning on an axis; tilt is a slanted movement along the long axis.