Types of body movements
Learning objectives
After completing this study unit you will be able to:
- Name the terms used to describe the main types of movements.
- Describe the movements performed by the major joints of the human body.
Watch video
Our musculoskeletal system functions to propel our bodies within space and allows us to interact with the world around us. These movements occur at our synovial joints, as a result of muscles acting on our skeleton. Specific terms are given to each movement to help clearly communicate the way in which a joint is moving.
Watch the following video to learn about the various types of movements occurring in the human body.
Take a quiz
Now that you have watched the video on body movement check your knowledge by taking the following quiz.
To challenge yourself further, customize your own quiz on a broader array of topics.
Browse atlas
Movements of the head, neck and trunk
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/elevation-of-mandible/LuTrHhVkNehkQ1CSirbqPg_Elevation_of_mandible.png "Elevation of mandible (Elevatio mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/depression-of-mandible/h1SpMUi4SrWADFKeJcziAQ_Depression_of_mandible.png "Depression of mandible (Depressio mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/protraction-of-mandible/lDK6tY7IeHYNVnD0oqYZRQ_Protraction_of_mandible.png "Protraction of mandible (Protractio mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/retraction-of-mandible/Oxo7Z4tvJWmGk4j6EeJKQ_Retraction_of_mandible.png "Retraction of mandible (Retractio mandibulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extension-of-neck/A8Z6ElfivptjLuY5Hem8lg_Extension_of__neck.png "Extension of neck (Extensio colli); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/flexion-of-neck/bRPl60AVcz6QIB9CahPn4A_Flexion_of_neck.png "Flexion of neck (Flexio colli); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/rotation-of-head/5VVnXzmJ12jinS3t7MCrA_Rotation_of_head.png "Rotation of head (Rotatio capitis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extension-of-vertebral-column/vGXbfLLejyrR0rQrI8gtag_Extension_of_vertebral_column.png "Extension of vertebral column (Extensio columnae vertebralis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lateral-flexion-of-the-neck/lZwJImT4hDeQDO5jBCgXIg_neck1.png "Lateral flexion of neck (Flexio lateralis colli); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lateral-flexion-of-the-spine/5KcGasiO4tnyVQuiCOWxw_spine_flexion.png "Lateral flexion of vertebral column (Flexio lateralis columnae vertebralis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/rotation-of-the-spine/HmkJbQhBKpQSh48bMA4cQ_spine_rotation.png "Rotation of vertebral column (Rotatio columnae vertebralis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/flexion-of-vertebral-column/rKUvb7AE5zy3rahFkVkS9w_Flexion_of_vertebral_column.png "Flexion of vertebral column (Flexio columnae vertebralis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/elevation-of-scapula/IODKZzrOlLZGYRKOKYMaKw_elevation_of_scapula.png "Elevation of scapula (Elevatio scapulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/depression-of-scapula/JZZiSoDCmtvMDUsur4T6g_depression_of_scapula.png "Depression of scapula (Depressio scapulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/protraction-of-scapula/HNsimI0PfDEKjCg0o3Www_protraction_of_scapula.png "Protraction of scapula (Protractio scapulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/retraction-of-scapula/0YrP27LA1sWWXdG4PWUxw_retraction_of_scapula.png "Retraction of scapula (Retractio scapulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/upward-rotation-of-scapula/qmLXPmD9YL7hVAgtijIXQ_upward_rotation_of_scapula.png "Upward rotation of scapula (Rotatio superior scapulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/downward-rotation-of-scapula/L5goXxsCEHBwFAfdVJADug_downward_rotation_of_scapula.png "Downward rotation of scapula (Rotatio inferior scapulae); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
Elevation of mandible
Elevatio mandibulae
1/18
Synonyms:
none
Movements of the upper limb
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extension-of-shoulder/SFT2WUJpkogiO7bevYK4GA_Extension_of_shoulder.png "Extension of arm (Extensio brachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/flexion-of-shoulder/EYg81ESQR2BjBlwy2bfz6Q_Flexion_of_shoulder.png "Flexion of arm (Flexio brachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/abduction-of-arm/c7KUjGTYbE5wwek0mMwog_Abduction_of_arm.png "Abduction of arm (Abductio brachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/adduction-of-arm/s6O8oXAViAlydUbjMBHhg_Adduction_of_arm.png "Adduction of arm (Adductio brachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lateral-rotation-of-arm/JbTMga4OaAXO8b3phcYsEQ_Lateral_rotation_of_arm.png "External rotation of arm (Rotatio externa brachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/internal-rotation-of-arm/6YIgMAMBnWQc7kmPx219Dg_Medial_rotation_of_arm.png "Internal rotation of arm (Rotatio interna brachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/circumduction-of-upper-limb/TQ3vi24np7eeaLDVSeZuxA_Circumduction__of_upper_limb_.png "Circumduction of arm (Circumductio brachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/flexion-of-forearm/ynew4gNNNOY1IlFLwLEN0w_flexion_of_forearm.png "Flexion of forearm (Flexio antebrachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extension-of-forearm/0yoTiGMHhD7PfxXMYJ3suw_extrension_of_forearm.png "Extension of forearm (Extensio antebrachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/pronation-of-forearm/lXLk762soEQ2vgnetkurw_Pronation_of_forearm.png "Pronation of forearm (Pronatio antebrachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/supination-of-forearm/jFsxndth6mQOBlSFItlNg_Supination_of_forearm.png "Supination of forearm (Supinatio antebrachii); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/flexion-of-hand/PbOS5vSsNDHN65ikxVcuqA_flexion_of_hand.png "Flexion of hand (Flexio manus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extension-of-hand/ac4KVMbzEMqQufaHzI8hQ_extension_of_hand.png "Extension of hand (Extensio manus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/radial-flexion/mP2NRAFGEhdTdVxJwrrQ7g_Radial_flexion.png "Radial flexion of hand (Flexio radialis manus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/unlar-flexion/9qPXVo56LEdjxhLrmjpXwg_Ulnar_flexion.png "Ulnar flexion of hand (Flexio ulnaris manus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/abduction-of-fingers/45E8kk77WtQNt93q0Q5iA_Abduction_of_fingers.png "Abduction of fingers (Abductio digitorum manus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/adduction-of-fingers/OVlOBdj7sAho3shDZNOog_Adduction_of_fingers.png "Adduction of fingers (Adductio digitorum manus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/opposition-of-thumb/rz1BBFbMvne3pmT4qYixg_Thumb_opposition.png "Opposition of thumb (Oppositio pollicis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/reposition-of-thumb/pff1vMYAq0Smmw8I9MR6OA_Thumb_reposition.png "Reposition of thumb (Repositio pollicis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
Movements of the lower limb
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/flexion-of-thigh/Do9mDCGAhi70mlBkrb3ItA_flexion_of_thigh.png "Flexion of thigh (Flexio femoris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extension-of-thigh/pN43EqBmAwn0MyNVtwChQ_extension_of_thigh.png "Extension of thigh (Extensio femoris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/abduction-of-leg/fu3HTvgYKlJPHY13NoJtAQ_Abduction_of_leg.png "Abduction of thigh (Abductio femoris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/adduction-of-leg/PnkinDmBoVVK9o33998fA_Adduction_of_leg.png "Adduction of thigh (Adductio femoris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lateral-rotation-of-leg/gsvn2FYMn1YuHjmXcsaYiQ_Lateral_rotation_of_leg_.png "External rotation of thigh (Rotatio externa femoris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/internal-rotation-of-leg/KCDEWUiL1Y04Mn88xub6g_Medial_rotation_of_leg.png "Internal rotation of thigh (Rotatio interna femoris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/circumduction-of-thigh/jFuIK6vgbPomvePKnmpNhA_hip_circumduction.png "Circumduction of thigh (Circumductio femoris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/flexion-of-knee/ldiYtHYtg1S9JtrHjGbC6g_Flexion_of_knee.png "Flexion of leg (Flexio cruris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extension-of-knee/NYHFgdghw5A5abWubEkAGg_Extension_of_knee.png "Extension of leg (Extensio cruris); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/plantar-flexion-of-foot/pSP4hyc58sLLh4sFnHH7Q_Plantar_flexion__of_foot_.png "Plantar flexion of foot (Plantarflexio pedis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/dorsiflexion-of-foot/LlG0lRUtlvvuA9A36i5m5Q_Dorsiflexion_of_foot.png "Dorsiflexion of foot (Dorsiflexio pedis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/eversion-of-foot/JJFVZM3waanu7bd2V5GCmg_Eversion_of_foot.png "Eversion of foot (Eversio pedis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/inversion-of-foot/XszmKovpxpQJ7XK3Symlg_Inversion_of_foot.png "Inversion of foot (Inversio pedis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
Summary
| Terminology of movements |
Flexion / extension Lateral (external) rotation / internal (medial) rotation Abduction / adduction Pronation / supination Elevation / depression Protraction / retraction Plantarflexion / dorsiflexion Eversion / inversion Opposition / reposition Lateral flexion Rotation Circumduction |
| Movement at the major joints |
Shoulder: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, external rotation, circumduction Elbow: Flexion, extension Proximal radioulnar joint: Pronation, supination Wrist: Flexion, extension, adduction, abduction Hip: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, external rotation, circumduction Knee: Flexion, extension (small degree of internal / external rotation when knee is flexed) Ankle: Dorsiflexion, plantarflexion Subtalar joint: Inversion, eversion Spine: Flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion, rotation (greatest at the atlantoaxial joint) Mandible: Elevation, depression, protraction, retraction Scapula: Protraction, retraction, elevation, depression, upward rotation, downward rotation |
Well done!
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