 | Term | Definition |
| |
Flexion |
a movement in which the body part bends and there is a decrease in the angle between the articulating bones e.g. raising the arm at the elbow. |
| |
Extension |
the opposite of flexion: the angle between the articulating bones increases and the body part straightens e.g. straightening the leg at the knee. |
| |
Abduction |
movement away from the midline of the body e.g. raising the arm from the shoulder so that it moves away form the body. |
| |
Adduction |
movement towards the midline of the body e.g. lowering the arm from the shoulder so that it moves towards the body. |
| |
Rotation |
the rotary movement of bone around its axis e.g. turning the head, wrist or ankle. |
| |
Circumduction |
a circular movement |
| |
Supination |
rotating the forearm, turning the palm of the hand to face outwards |
| |
Pronation |
rotating the forearm, turning the palm to face inwards |
| |
Inversion |
inward movement of the foot towards the medial line |
| |
Eversion |
outward movement of the foot away from the medial line |
