Types of Movements at Synovial Joints

Flexion: sagittal plane movement, the angle between articulating bones decreases

Extension: sagittal plane movement, the angle between articulating bones increases

Hyperextension: extension beyond anatomical position

Abduction: movement away from the body midline in the frontal plane

Adduction: movement toward the body midline

Circumduction: smooth sequence of flexion, abduction, extension, & adduction at the joint

Medial rotation: longitudinal axis, anterior limb surface moves toward body midline

Lateral rotation: longitudinal axis, anterior limb surface moves away from the body midline

Left and right rotation: movement around the body’s longitudinal axis, shake head “no”

Left and right lateral flexion: sideways bending

Dorsiflexion: toes to nose

Plantar flexion: pointing the toes

Inversion: sole of the foot moves medially

Eversion: sole moves away from midline

Elevation: upward movement (shrug shoulders or close mouth)

Depression: downward movement (opening the mouth)

Protraction: moving a body part anterior in the traverse plane, pull scapula together

Retraction: returning a protracted body part back to anatomical position

Pronation: rotational movement, the wrist and the palm move posterior

Supination: rotational movement, the wrist and palm turn anterior

Opposition: the thumb moves across the palm toward the tips of the fingers on the same hand