Flexion / Extension

Flexion decreases the angle between two joints. Extension increases the angle between two joints. Flexion and Extension occur in the Neck, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Fingers, Back, Hips, Knees, Feet (see Dorsiflexion / Plantar Flexion) and Toes. Some muscles assist with both flexion and extension (i.e. the Adductor Magnus assists in both flexion and extension in the hip).

Left Lateral Flexion/Right Lateral Flexion

Lateral Flexion decreases the angle between two joints on the left or right side of body (occurs in head and along spine).

Adduction / Abduction

Adduction is movement towards midline of body while Abduction is movement away from the body (occurs in toes, hips, scapulas, shoulders, and fingers).

Left Rotation / Right Rotation

Rotation turns the body around a central axis towards the left or right. It occurs in the neck and back.

Medial (Internal) Rotation / Lateral (External) Rotation

Medial rotation occurs around a central axis towards midline of the body, while lateral rotation occurs around a central axis away from the midline of the body. Medial Rotation and Lateral Rotation occurs in the shoulders, hips and knees. In hip rotation, tensor fascia lata performs both medial and lateral rotation.

Supination / Pronation

Supinators and Pronators are located in the upper and lower arm. Supinators turn the palm face up while Pronators turn the palm down.

Radial Deviation / Ulnar Deviation

Radial Deviators and Ulnar Deviators are located in the wrist. Radial deviators turn the hand so thumb is closer to wrist. Ulnar deviators turn the hand so the little finger is closer to the wrist.

Eversion / Inversion

Evertors and Invertors are located in the feet. Evertors turn the feet outward, while Invertors turn the feet inward with soles facing towards eachother.

Dorsiflexion / Plantar Flexion

Dorsiflexors and Plantar Flexors are located in the feet. Dorsiflexors lower the heels and pull the toes towards the body, while plantar flexors raise the heels and push the toes away from the body.

Scapula Movement

In addition to adduction (bringing the scapulae closer together) and abduction (pulling the scapulae further apart), the scapulae may be depressed or elevated and/or rotated upward or downward. In Depression, the scapula moves downward towards feet. In Elevation, the scapula moves upward towards head. In Upward Rotation, the lateral border of the scapula moves upward. In Downward Rotation, the lateral border of scapula moves downward.

Breathing (Respiration)

Various muscles in the neck, chest, abdominals and back all support inspiration/inhalation and expiration/exhalation.