TERMINOLOGY OF JOINT MOVEMENTS
TERMS USED TO DESCRIBE JOINT MOVEMENTS: The movements of the body occur at various joints. These movements are described in relation to the axis and the plane, which are perpendicular to each other. They are described in the following terms: 1. FLEXION : Movement that takes place in sagittal plane around a transverse axis . For example, the flexion of the elbow approximates the anterior surface of the forearm with the anterior surface of the arm. The flexion is usually an anterior movement but occasionally it is a posterior movement. For example, flexion of the knee joint . 2. EXTENSION : Movement that approximates the extensor surfaces of the adjoining parts and thus increases the angle of the joint. For example, (i) Extension of elbow approximates the extensor surface of the forearm with the extensor surface of the arm. (ii) Extension of knee approximates the extensor surface of the leg with the extensor surface of the thigh. 3. ABDUCTION : Movement of a limb away from...