Joint Motions

Extension

Increases the angle between articulating elements. When a person is in the anatomical position, they are in this motion.

Abduction

Movement away from the longitudinal axis of the body in the frontal plane.

Circumduction

Movement in a circle, a combination of flexion, extension, adduction, abduction.

Flexion

Movement in the anterior-posterior plane that reduces the angle between the articulating elements.

Opposition

Movement of the thumb toward the palm or the pads of other fingers.

Adduction

Movement toward the longitudinal axis of the body in the frontal plane.

Eversion

Moving the sole outward.

Depression

Opening your mouth

Lateral Rotation

Outward rotation

Pronation

Palm is turned posteriorly

Retraction

Reverse movement of moving a part of the body anteriorly in the horizontal plane.

Medial Rotation

The anterior surface of the limb turns toward the long axis of the trunk. Inward rotation

Supination

The palm is turned anteriorly

Elevation

Closing your mouth

Protraction

Entails moving a part of the body anteriorly in the horizontal plane.

Plantar flexion

Extends the ankle joint and elevates the heel.

Hyperextension

Extension past the anatomical position

Dorsiflexion

Flexion at the ankle joint and elevation of the sole.

Inversion

Twisting motion of the foot that turns the sole inward.