Joint Movements

elevation

moving a body part superiorly

rotation

moving a part around an axis

abduction

moving a part away from the midline

retraction

moving a part backward

protraction

moving a part forward

adduction

moving a part toward the midline

circumduction

moving one part so that its end follows a circular path

extension

moving parts at a joint so that the angle between them increases and the parts move father apart

opposition

Movement of the thumb to touch the fingertips

hyperextension

a term sometimes used to describe the extension of the parts at a joint beyond the anatomical position

flexion

bending parts at a joint so that the angle between them decreases and the parts come closer together

dorsiflexion

movement at the ankle that brings the foot closer to the shin

plantar flexion

movement at the ankle that brings the foot farther from the shin

reposition

movement of the thumb from opposition back to the anatomical position

depression

moving a body part inferiorly

inversion

turning the foot so that the plantar surface faces medially

eversion

turning the foot so the plantar surface faces laterally

pronation

turning the hand so that the palm is facing posteriorly

supination

turning the hand so that the palm is upward or facing anteriorly