Movements at Synovial Joints
Flexion
Decrease in the angle between the surfaces of articulating
bone
Extension
Increase in the angle between the surfaces of articulating bone
Hyperextension
Continuation of extension beyond the anatomical position
Abduction
Movement away from the midline
Adduction
Movement towards the midline
Circumduction
Combination of flexion/extension/abduction/adduction in
succession to produce the circular movement of the distal end
Inversion
Movement of the soles of the feet inwards so they face each other
Eversion
Movement of the soles of the feet so that they face away from
each other
Dorsiflexion
Movement of the foot/hand upwards in the direction of the dorsum
(upper surface)
Plantarflexion
Movement of the foot downwards in the direction of the plantar
(sole) surface. Sometimes referred to as Equinus
Palmarflexion
Flexion of the wrist so the palm is towards the forearm
Supination
Movement of the forearm in which the palm is
turned anteriorly or
upwards (palm to sun)
Pronation
Movement of the forearm in which the palm is
turned posteriorly
or downwards
Opposition
Opposing i.e. when the thumb is adducted to oppose the fingers