Body Movement Terminology

• Abduction is the movement of a body part away from the central axis of the body
• Adduction is the movement of a body part toward the central axis of the body
• Extension is the straightening of a joint when both elements of the joint are in the anatomical position
• Flexion is the bending of a joint, the opposite of extension
• Hyperextension is the forced or excessive extension of a limb or joint
• Hyperflexion is the forced over-flexion of a limb or joint
• Eversion is the outward turning of the foot at the ankle
• Inversion is the inward turning of the foot at the ankle
• Pronation is the rotation of the forearm so that the palm is down
• Supination is the rotation of the forearm so that the palm is up in the anatomical position
• Rotation is the turning or rotating of the body or a body part around its axis
• Circumduction is the circular movement of a limb
• Tilt is the tipping or slanting of a body part slightly in relation to the long axis of the body
• Deviation is a turning away from the regular standard or course
• Lateral refers to a part moving away from the median plane of the body to the right or left
• Superficial refers to parts near the skin or surface
• Deep refers to parts far from the surface
• Distal refers to parts farther than the point of attachment, origin, or beginning away from the center of the body
• Proximal refers to parts nearer the point of attachment, origin, or beginning toward the center of the body
• External refers to parts outside an organ or on the outside of the body
• Internal refers to parts within or on the inside of an organ
• Anterior (ventral) refers to the forward or front part of the body or an organ
• Posterior (dorsal) refers to the back part of the body or an organ
• Caudad refers to parts away from the head of the body
• Cephalad refers to parts toward the head of the body
• Superior refers to parts nearer the head or situated above
• Inferior refers to parts nearer the feet or situated below
• Peripheral refers to parts at or near the outer edge of another body part
• Medial refers to parts toward the median plane of the body or toward the middle of another body part
• Parietal refers to the wall or lining of a body cavity
• Visceral refers to the covering of an organ
• Ipsilateral refers to parts on the same side of the body
• Contralateral refers to parts on the opposite side of the body
• Palmar refers to the palm of the hand
• Plantar refers to the sole of the foot
• Dorsum refers to the top or anterior surface of the foot, or the back or posterior surface of the hand