Chapter 21: Orthopedic Surgery; Matching: Directional Terms Common in Orthopedics

Abduction

Toward the side; away from midline; lateral

Adduction

Bring toward the midline; toward the midline; medial

Flexion

Any joint; decreasing a joint angle

Extension

Any joint; straightening a joint

Pronate

Turn downward (e.g., palm of hand)

Supinate

Turn upward (e.g., palm of hand)

Distraction

Pulling apart-separated

Distal

Remote from point of origin or attachment

Proximal

Nearest; near to point of attachment of origin

Dorsiflexion

Specifically to bend foot upward at ankle

Plantar flexion

Specifically to bend foot downward at toward sole

Anterior

Toward the front

Posterior

Toward the back

Internal rotation

Point the toes or flex arm inward or rotate toward the midline

Eternal rotation

Turn or flex/rotate the toes or arm away from the midline