YOGA ANATOMYYoga Teacher Training

© 2015 Robin Bennett 200 RYT

Part Two - Key Terms

AbductionMovement of a body part away from the median plane

AdductionMovement of a body part toward the median plane

ExtensionExtension is the opposite of flexion, describing a straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts. When a joint can move forward and backward, such as the neck

and trunk, extension refers to movement in the posterior direction.

FlexionBending movement that decreases the angle between two

parts.

Internal rotationInternal rotation (or medial rotation) refers to rotation towards

the axis of the body

External rotationTurning outwardly or away from the midline of the body, such as when a leg is

externally rotated with the toes turned outward or away from the body's midline.

PronationRotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces

backwards or downwards.

SupinationTo turn or rotate (the foot) by adduction and inversion so that

the outer edge of the sole bears the body's weight.

Rotation The process of turning around an axis. The head rotates about

the neck.

CircumductionThe circular (or, more precisely, conical) movement of a body part.

AgonistA muscle that causes specific movement or possibly several

movements to occur through the process of its own contraction

AntagonistA muscle that acts in opposition to the specific movement

generated by the agonist and is responsible for returning a limb to its initial position.

AnteriorToward the front of the body.

PosteriorToward the back of the body.

SuperiorToward the head.