TERMS OF MOVEMENT OF THE BODY

The human body is capable of a wide range of movements due to the complex interactions of bones, muscles, and joints. Understanding the different types of joint movements is crucial in fields such as anatomy, physiology, physical therapy, and sports medicine. The main movements occurring at various joints of the body include flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

• Flexion: Flexion refers to a movement that decreases the angle between two body parts. It is typically associated with bending parts at a joint. For example, when you bend your elbow to bring your hand closer to your shoulder, it is an example of flexion at the elbow joint.
• Extension: Extension is the opposite of flexion and involves increasing the angle between two body parts. An example of extension is straightening the elbow from a bent position.
• Abduction: Abduction involves moving a body part away from the midline of the body. For instance, raising your arm sideways away from your body is an example of abduction at the shoulder joint.
• Adduction: Adduction is the movement of a body part toward the midline of the body. Bringing your raised arm back down to your side is an example of adduction at the shoulder joint.
• Rotation: Rotation refers to movement around an axis. There are two types of rotation: internal rotation and external rotation. Internal rotation occurs when a body part rotates towards the midline of the body, while external rotation involves rotation away from the midline.

These movements are essential for everyday activities such as walking, reaching for objects, and performing athletic movements. They also play a crucial role in maintaining proper posture and preventing injuries.

Movements at Specific Joints and the Planes of Movement

1) Pronation and Supination:

Pronation and supination occur at the radioulnar joint in the forearm. These movements involve the rotation of the radius around the ulna. Pronation refers to the movement where the palm faces backward or downward, while supination involves the movement where the palm faces forward or upward.

• Planes of Movement: The movements of pronation and supination occur in the transverse plane, which is perpendicular to the long axis of the body.

2) Inversion and Eversion:

Inversion and eversion occur at the subtalar joint in the ankle. Inversion is a movement where the sole of the foot turns inward, while eversion is a movement where the sole of the foot turns outward.

• Planes of Movement: Inversion and eversion occur in the frontal plane, which divides the body into front and back halves.