Anatomical Terms - Body Movements

Introduction to Anatomical Terms and Organization of the Human Body

• This presentation covers anatomical terms for body movements, specifically for the upper limb, lower limb, neck, and trunk.

Terms Related to Body Movements (Upper Limb)

• Flexion: Bringing two flexor surfaces closer together (e.g., elbow).

• Extension: Bringing extensor or dorsal surfaces close together (e.g., straightening the elbow).

• Abduction: Moving a limb away from the body.

• Adduction: Moving a limb toward the body.

• Circumduction: A continuous movement of the distal end of a limb in a circular manner (combination of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction).

• Supination: Palm facing forward or upward.

• Pronation: Palm facing backward or downward.

• Medial Rotation: Arm rotates inwards, bringing the forearm across the chest.

• Lateral Rotation: Arm rotates outwards moving the flexed forearm away from the body.

• Abduction (digits/fingers): Fingers separated.

• Adduction (digits/fingers): Fingers brought together.

Terms Related to Body Movements (Lower Limb)

• Flexion (thigh): Front of thigh touches the abdomen.

• Extension (thigh): Moving away from flexion.

• Abduction (thigh): Thigh moves away from the midline.

• Adduction (thigh): Thigh moves towards the midline.

• Medial Rotation (thigh): Thigh turns inward.

• Lateral Rotation (thigh): Thigh turns outward.

• Flexion (knee): Back of thigh/leg are in opposition.

• Dorsiflexion (foot): Dorsum of foot is brought close to the front of the leg, sole faces forward

• Plantarflexion (foot): Sole/plantar aspect of foot faces backward.

• Inversion (foot): medial border of foot raised from the ground.

• Eversion (foot): lateral border of foot raised from the ground.

Terms Related to Body Movements (Neck)

• Flexion: Face moves closer to the chest.
• Extension: Face moves away from the chest.
• Lateral Flexion: Ear moves toward the shoulder.
• Rotation: Chin moves to the opposite side.
• Opening the mouth: Lower jaw lowered.
• Closure of the mouth: Lower jaw closes against the upper jaw.
• Protraction: Lower jaw slides forward.
• Retraction: Lower jaw slides backward.

Terms Related to Body Movements (Trunk)

• Backward Bending (trunk): Called extension.
• Forward Bending (trunk): Called flexion.
• Sideward Movement (trunk): Called lateral flexion.
• Sideward Rotation (trunk): Called lateral rotation.

Explore the fundamental anatomical terms related to body movements, focusing specifically on the upper limb, lower limb, neck, and trunk. Understand essential movements including flexion, extension, abduction, and more. This quiz is perfect for anyone interested in human anatomy and physiology.