Anatomical movement terms describe the specific actions that occur at synovial joints. Understanding these terms is essential for describing body movements in clinical, athletic, and anatomical contexts.
Angular Movements
Flexion
Flexion decreases the angle between two bones at a joint. It typically involves bending or folding a body part. Examples include bending the elbow (bringing the hand toward the shoulder) or bending the knee (bringing the heel toward the buttock).
Extension
Extension increases the angle between two bones and is the opposite of flexion. Straightening the elbow or knee are examples of extension. Hyperextension refers to extension beyond the normal anatomical position.
Abduction
Abduction moves a body part away from the midline of the body. Raising the arm to the side (as in a jumping jack) is abduction of the shoulder. Spreading the fingers apart is also abduction.
Adduction
Adduction moves a body part toward the midline. Lowering the arm back to the side after raising it is adduction. Bringing the fingers together is adduction.
Rotational Movements
Rotation
Rotation involves turning a body part around its longitudinal axis. Medial (internal) rotation turns the anterior surface toward the midline. Lateral (external) rotation turns the anterior surface away from the midline.
Pronation
Pronation of the forearm rotates the radius so the palm faces posteriorly (or inferiorly when the arm is at the side).
Supination
Supination of the forearm rotates the radius so the palm faces anteriorly (or superiorly when the arm is at the side). This is the anatomical position.
Circular Movements
Circumduction
Circumduction is a conical movement that combines flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction in sequence. The proximal end of the limb remains stable while the distal end moves in a circle. This movement is possible at the shoulder and hip joints.
Special Movements
Elevation and Depression
Elevation raises a body part superiorly (e.g., shrugging the shoulders). Depression lowers a body part inferiorly (e.g., returning the shoulders to normal position).
Protraction and Retraction
Protraction moves a body part anteriorly (e.g., jutting the jaw forward). Retraction moves a body part posteriorly (e.g., pulling the jaw back).
Inversion and Eversion
These terms apply to the foot. Inversion turns the sole medially (inward). Eversion turns the sole laterally (outward).
Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion
These terms apply to the ankle. Dorsiflexion brings the top of the foot toward the shin. Plantarflexion points the foot downward (as in standing on tiptoes).
Opposition and Reposition
Opposition of the thumb brings the thumb pad into contact with another finger pad. Reposition returns the thumb to its normal position.
Movements of Specific Joints
Shoulder Movements
The shoulder (glenohumeral joint) allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotation, and circumduction.
Hip Movements
The hip allows the same movements as the shoulder, though with less range of motion due to its deeper socket.
Knee Movements
The knee primarily allows flexion and extension, with limited internal and external rotation when flexed.
Elbow Movements
The elbow allows flexion and extension. The radioulnar joints allow pronation and supination.
Clinical Application
Movement terminology is used in:
- Physical therapy documentation (e.g., “range of motion limited to 90 degrees of shoulder abduction”)
- Orthopedic assessments
- Neurological examinations
- Exercise prescription
- Surgical planning and rehabilitation protocols
Understanding the plane and axis of each movement helps clinicians assess joint function, identify limitations, and design appropriate treatment interventions.