Joint Movements

Terms Describing Joint Movements:

• Flexion: Bending parts at a joint, which decreases the angle between the bones involved.

• Extension: Straightening parts at a joint, which increases the angle between the bones involved.

• Lateral Flexion: Bending the head, neck, or trunk to the side.

• Hyperextension: Extending or straightening a joint beyond its normal anatomical position (e.g., bending the head backward past the neutral position).

• Abduction: Moving a body part away from the midline of the body.

• Adduction: Moving a body part toward the midline of the body.

• Dorsiflexion: Ankle movement that brings the foot closer to the shin (lifting the foot).

• Plantar Flexion: Ankle movement that moves the foot farther from the shin (pointing the toes).

• Rotation: Movement of a part around its own axis (e.g., twisting the head from side to side).

• Circumduction: Movement of a part so that its distal end follows a circular path, combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

• Pronation: Rotation of the forearm so that the palm is facing downward or posteriorly.

• Supination: Rotation of the forearm so that the palm is facing upward or anteriorly.

• Inversion: Turning the sole (plantar surface) of the foot medially.

• Eversion: Turning the sole (plantar surface) of the foot laterally.

• Protraction: Moving a part of the body forward (e.g., pushing the jaw forward).

• Retraction: Moving a part of the body backward (e.g., pulling the jaw backward).

• Elevation: Raising a part of the body (e.g., shrugging the shoulders).

• Depression: Lowering a part of the body (e.g., dropping the shoulders).