Movement (Anatomical Terms)

Anatomical Terms of Movement

Anatomical terms of movement describe the actions of muscles upon the skeleton. Muscles contract to
produce signals at joints, and the subsequent activities can be precisely described using this terminology.

Flexion and Extension

Flexion is a movement that reduces the angle between two body parts.
Extension is a movement that increases the angle between two body parts.

Photo by TeachMeAnatomy

Abduction and Adduction

Abduction is defined as a movement away from the midline.
Adduction is a movement toward the midline.
Photo by TeachMeAnatomy

Elevation and Depression

Elevation is movement in a higher direction.
Depression is defined as movement in a downward direction.

Photo by Collection 2021 Elevation and Depression Anatomy

Protraction and Retraction

Protraction is the anterolateral movement of the scapula on the thoracic wall that permits the shoulder to
move anteriorly. A protrusion is defined as jutting out or projecting.
Retraction is the posteromedial movement of the scapula on the thoracic wall. Bringing together refers to
retraction.
Photo by IvyRose Holistic

Pronation and Supination

Pronation and supination occur at pivot joints.
The hand is supine when lying flat on the back.
The hand is in a prone position when lying flat on the front.

Photo by Health Jade

Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion

Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion are terminologies used to describe ankle movements.
They relate to the two foot surfaces, the dorsum (superior surface) and the plantar surface (sole).
Photo by TeachMeAnatomy

Inversion and Eversion

Inversion and eversion are ankle joint movements that refer to rotating the foot around its long axis.
Inversion is the movement of the sole towards the median plane, causing the sole to face in a medial
direction.
Eversion is the movement of the sole away from the median plane, causing the sole to face in a lateral
direction.

Photo by ResearchGate

Medial and Lateral Rotation

A rotating motion that moves toward the midline is called medial rotation.
A rotational movement distant from the midline is called a lateral rotation.
Photo by TeachMeAnatomy

Opposition and Reposition

Opposition brings the thumb and little finger together.
Reposition is the movement of the thumb and little finger away from each other.

Photo by Registered Nurse RN

Circumduction
Circumduction is a conical movement of a limb that extends from the joint where the movement is
regulated.
Photo by Lumen Learning

Rotation
Rotation is defined as movement that revolves around a single long axis.

Photo by Lumen Learning

Excursion
Excursion is the movement of the mandible from side to side.
Photo by Registered Nurse RN

References:
Anatomical Movements Sports Science degree Physical education. (n.d.). Quintic Sports.

https://www.quinticsports.com/anatomical-movements-sports-science-degree-phy

sical-education/

Biga, L. M. (2019, September 26). 9.5 types of body movements. Pressbooks.

https://open.oregonstate.education/aandp/chapter/9-5-types-of-body-movements/

TeachMeAnatomy. (2020, May 30). Anatomical terms of movement - flexion - rotation -

TeachMeAnatomy.

https://teachmeanatomy.info/the-basics/anatomical-terminology/terms-of-moveme

nt/