types of joint motions

flexion

a decrease in the angle between two joints

extension

an increase in the angle between two joints

abduction

movement away from the midline of the body

adduction

movement toward the midline of the body

rotation

movement of a limb around an axis

circumduction

movement of a limb in a circular pattern

horizontal flexion

the arm is pulled across the chest in a transverse plane

horizontal extension

movement of the arm away from the chest and out to the side in the transverse plane

pronation

rotating the forearm around the radio-ulnar joint so that the palm is facing down

supination

rotating the forearm around the radio-ulnar joint so that the palm is facing up

opposition

the movement of the thumb to touch the tip of a finger

reposition

the movement of the thumb away from the tip of a finger

protraction

the scapula move forward and away from the midline of the body

retraction

the scapula move backward and toward the midline of the body

elevation

upward movement of the scapula

depression

downward movement of the scapula

plantar flexion

pointing the toes down so that they are planted on the ground

dorsiflexion

pointing the toes up so that the heel is on the ground

inversion

rotating the ankle so that the sole of the foot is pointing toward the midline of the body

eversion

rotating the ankle so that the sole of the foot is pointing away from the midline of the body