Movements of the Body

Flexion

Movement that decreases the angle at a joint

Extension

Movement that increases the angle at a joint

Hyperextension

Movement that goes beyond the plane of extension

Rotation

Movement of a bone around its own axis

Abduction

Movement of a body point AWAY from the midline

Adduction

Movement of a body point TOWARDS the midline

Circumduction

Movement where the distal end of a bone moves in a circle

Elevation

Upward movement

Depression

Downward movement

Protraction

Outward/forward movement

Retraction

Inward/backward movement

Inversion

Movement of the sole of the foot inward

Eversion

Movement of the sole of the foot outward

Dorsiflexion

Movement of the foot/toes upward

Plantar Flexion

Movement of the foot/toes downward

Supination

Movement of the palms of the hand upward

Pronation

Movement of the palms of the hand downward