Joint movement terminology

Abduction – away from the midline of the body

Adduction – towards the midline of the body.

Circumduction – circular or cone shaped movement available at ball and socket joints.

Depression – downward movement of the shoulder girdle.

Dorsiflexion – foot moves toward the shin.

Elevation – upward movement of the shoulder girdle.

Eversion – sole of the foot faces away from the midline.

Extension – the angle of the joint increases or the return from flexion.

Flexion – the angle of the joint decreases or the return from extension.

Horizontal extension – away from the midline of the body in the horizontal plane.

Horizontal flexion – towards the midline of the body in the horizontal plane.

Inversion – sole of the foot faces the midline.

Lateral flexion – bending to the side.

Plantar flexion – foot moves away from the shin.

Pronation – palm of the hand facing downward.

Protraction – forward movement of the shoulder girdle.

Retraction – backward movement of the shoulder girdle.

Rotation – a bone rotating on its own long axis – may be internal or external.

Supination – palm of the hand facing upward.

How many joint movement terms can you remember?