Types of Movements at Synovial (Diarthrotic) Joints

Question 1

Gliding

Answer 1

Two opposing surfaces slide over one another; slight movement
ex. carpal to carpal, tarsal to tarsal, manubrium-clavicle

Question 2

abduction

Answer 2

ab= from
movement away from body’s midline in frontal plane (out to the side)
ex. refers to movements of appendicular skeleton, making snow angels (when arm/legs moving out)

Question 3

adduction

Answer 3

ad=to
movement toward midline of body in frontal plane
ex. refers to movements of appendicular skeleton, making snow angels (when arm/legs move toward body)

Question 4

flexion

Answer 4

movement in sagittal plane that reduces the angle between articulating parts. The body part always moves forward during flexion EXCEPT the knee.
ex. bending elbow during biceps curl, head toward chest

Question 5

extension

Answer 5

movement in sagittal plane that increases the angle between the articulating parts. body part moves backwards during extension, except at knee.
ex. straighten elbow

Question 6

rotation

Answer 6

twisting movements that occur in transverse plane

ex. shaking the head “no”, spinal twist

Question 7

medial rotation (internal rotation)

Answer 7

in limbs: anterior aspect of limb turns inward

ex. twist leg inward

Question 8

lateral rotation (external rotation)

Answer 8

in limbs: anterior aspect of limbs turn outward

ex. twist leg outward

Question 9

pronation

Answer 9

Rotation of the distal end of the radius across anterior surface of the ulna
ex. turning palms and forearms posteriorly

Question 10

supination

Answer 10

Turning the palm and forearm anteriorly/forward in the opposing movement

Question 11

lateral flexion

Answer 11

Bending vertebral column to side; in frontal plane

ex. Cervical lateral flexion, Side bending of torso

Question 12

circumduction

Answer 12

Movement of the limb describes a cone in space; includes flexion, extension, adduction, abduction; occurs in all 3 planes
ex. Windmilling arms

Question 13

plantarflexion

Answer 13

planta=sole
Elevate the heel and proximal portion of the foot; ankle extension
ex. As you would when pointing your toes

Question 14

dorsiflexion

Answer 14

“Dig heels in”, elevating distal part of foot; aka ankle flexion
ex. As you would if you walk on your heels only.

Question 15

Inversion

Answer 15

Turn sole of foot inward/medially

Question 16

Eversion

Answer 16

Turn sole of foot outward/laterally

Question 17

Protraction

Answer 17

Move body part anteriorly in transverse plane

ex. Move lower jaw forward

Question 18

Retraction

Answer 18

Move body part posteriorly in transverse plane

ex. Move lower jaw backward

Question 19

Opposition

Answer 19

Movement of thumb only towards fingers or palm ex. Opposable thumbs

Question 20

Reposition

Answer 20

Reverse of opposition; movement of thumb away from fingers/palm ex. opposable thumbs

Question 21

Depression

Answer 21

Move body part inferiorly in frontal plane

ex. Lower jaw as when opening mouth, Lower shoulders

Question 22

Elevation

Answer 22

Move body part superiorly in frontal plane

ex. Elevate jaw as when closing mouth, Lift shoulders