Terms of Movement

Question 1

Flexion

Answer 1

Bending movement that decreases the angle between two parts (e.g bending the elbow)

Question 2

Extension

Answer 2

Straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts (e.g straightening the elbow)

Question 3

Abduction

Answer 3

Movement away from the midline (e.g lift arm up to side)

Question 4

Adduction

Answer 4

Movement towards the midline (e.g lower arm back to hip)

Question 5

Medial Rotation

Answer 5

Rotating movement towards the midline (e.g rotating the knee inward)

Question 6

Lateral Rotation

Answer 6

Rotating movement away from the midline (e.g rotating the knee outward)

Question 7

Elevation

Answer 7

Movement in a superior direction (e.g shoulder shrug)

Question 8

Depression

Answer 8

Movement in an inferior direction (e.g shoulder down)

Question 9

Protraction

Answer 9

Movement in the anterior direction (e.g shoulder forward)

Question 10

Retraction

Answer 10

Movement in the posterior direction (e.g shoulder back)

Question 11

Pronation

Answer 11

Rotate the palm of the hand so that it is facing posteriorly, or down (e.g typing on a keyboard)

Question 12

Supination

Answer 12

Rotate the palm of the hand so that it is facing anteriorly, or up (e.g holding a bowl of soup)

Question 13

Dorsiflexion

Answer 13

Flexion of the foot at the ankle so the foot points superiorly, and rotating the hand so the back of the hand moves closer to the forearm

Question 14

Plantarflexion

Answer 14

Extension of the foot at the ankle, so the foot points inferiorly

Question 15

Palmarflexion

Answer 15

Rotating the hand so the palm of the hand moves closer to the forearm

Question 16

Opposition

Answer 16

Bring the thumb and little finger together

Question 17

Reposition

Answer 17

Move the thumb and little finger away from each other

Question 18

Circumduction

Answer 18

The circular movement of a limb, a combination of flexion, extension, adduction and abduction

Question 19

Inversion

Answer 19

Movement which faces the sole of the foot inwards

Question 20

Eversion

Answer 20

Movement which faces the sole of the foot outwards