Anatomy and Movement Terminology

Front

Anatomical Position

Back

A standing posture with the arms at the side and the palms of the hands facing forward

Front

Movement

Back

Results from the angle at which the muscle pulls on the segment and the type of joint that connects the bones

Front

Adduction

Back

Motion toward the midline of the body

Front

Abduction

Back

Motion away from the midline of the body

Front

Inversion

Back

When the sole of the foot is turned inward

Front

Eversion

Back

When the sole of the foot is turned outward

Front

Lateral Flexion

Back

Bending of a body part away from the midline

Front

Flexion

Back

Decreasing the angle between two bones

Front

Extension

Back

Increasing the angle between two bones

Front

Dorsiflexion

Back

Pulling the toes upward