Understanding Joint Movements

Front

Movement of a body part away from the midline of the body

Back

Abduction

Front

Bending of a joint

Back

Flexion

Front

"Straightening" of a joint

Back

Extension

Front

Rotating a body part away from the midline

Back

External Rotation

Front

Circular movement of a limb that outlines a cone

Back

Circumduction

Front

Moving a body part toward the midline of the body

Back

Adduction

Front

Forearm turns the palm to face upward

Back

Supination

Front

Forearm turns the palm to face downward

Back

Pronation

Front

Bending the foot at the ankle towards the shin

Back

Dorsiflexion

Front

Pointing the toes downward, away from the shin

Back

Plantarflexion