Movements of the body

Technical word My description
Protusion Pulling forward from usual position "Sticking out"
Retrusion Pulling back from usual position "Pressed in"
Elevation Raising up
Depression Pushing down
Supinate Turn around towards body 180 degrees
Pronate Turn away from body 180 degrees
Abduct Pull away from body and open up
Adduct Pull in towards body and close up
Flexion Closing a joint
Extension Opening a joint
Inversion Twisting in towards body
Eversion Twisting out away from body

 

Relative positions within the body

 

Anatomy Index

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© Greg Chambers 2005 These notes may be reproduced and used for all non-profit teaching and publication. The Author reserves all other rights.