Kinesiology: Anatomy and Movement Terminology

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy and movement terms from the kinesiology lecture.

Kinesiology

The science of human movement, integrating anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and related fields to understand how the body moves, performs, and functions in sport, health, and rehabilitation.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and makeup of the human body; structure determines function.

Synovial joint

A highly movable joint surrounded by a capsule with lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) that reduces friction between bones.

Origin (muscle origin)

The fixed attachment of a muscle to a bone, from which it typically moves during contraction.

Insertion (muscle insertion)

The movable attachment of a muscle to the bone that moves when the muscle contracts.

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)

A knee ligament that helps prevent the tibia from sliding too far forward relative to the femur.

MCL (medial collateral ligament)

A knee ligament on the inner side that provides medial stability.

Anatomical position

Upright posture facing forward, feet together, arms at sides with palms facing anteriorly; serves as the reference point for directional terms.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right parts.

Mid-sagittal (median) plane

The sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Coronal (frontal) plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or to a point of reference.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or from a point of reference.

Superior

Above a given reference point; higher.

Inferior

Below a given reference point; lower.

Anterior (ventral)

Front of the body; toward the belly.

Posterior (dorsal)

Back of the body; toward the spine.

Supine

Lying on the back, face up.

Prone

Lying face down.

Semi-supine

Partially on the back; partially upright.

Semi-prone

Partially on the front side; partially face-down.

Flexion

Bending that decreases the angle between body parts (e.g., elbow or knee flexion).

Extension

Straightening that increases the angle between body parts.

Hyperextension

Extension beyond the anatomical position.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body.

Pronation

Rotation of the forearm that turns the palm downward (or turning the foot inward).

Supination

Rotation of the forearm that turns the palm upward (or turning the foot outward).

Origin

The fixed attachment of a muscle, typically the site where it begins.

Insertion

The attachment of a muscle to the bone that moves during contraction.

Overpronation

Excessive inward roll of the foot during gait, affecting biomechanics and joint alignment.

Neurotransmission

The process of signaling between neurons and muscles or other cells via neurotransmitters.

Biomechanics

The study of the mechanical principles governing movement in living beings.

Exercise physiology

The study of how body systems respond and adapt to physical activity and exercise.

Ventral (anterior)

Front of the body; another term for anterior.

Dorsal (posterior)

Back of the body; another term for posterior.

Cephalic/cephalad

Toward the head.

Caudal

Toward the tail; in humans, toward the lower back/buttocks.