41. Synovial Joint Movement
Movement Definition
Flexion Narrowing joint angle in sagittal plane (bending elbow)
Extension Increasing joint angle in sagittal plane (straightening elbows)
Hyperextension Increasing angle more than in natural position (bending
backwards)
Abduction Lifting a body part away from body midline (in frontal plane)
Adduction Returning a body part to body midline (in frontal plane)
Rotation Turning a body part on axis (horizontal plane) (not rotation
all the way round - see circumduction).
Lateral flexion Bending body sideways (frontal plane)
Lateral extension Returning body to anatomical position
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42. Synovial Joint Movement
Movement Definition
Elevation Lifting a body part (shoulder shrugs)
Depression Lowering a body part (dropping the jaw)
Protraction Moving a body part outwards
Retraction Bringing a body part back
Horizontal Flexion (starts from abducted position)
Moving arm forwards in horizontal plane
Horizontal Extension (starts from abducted position)
Returning arm to the abducted position
Dorsal Flexion Bending ankle so that the toes are raised
Plantar Flexion Hyperextending ankle joint so toes point downwards
Circumduction Range of movements that create a complete circle (as
opposed to a rotation of less than 360 degrees)
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