Anatomy TerminologyPEER SUPPORT
The Anatomical Position
Lateral, Medial, Anterior, Posterior, Superior and Inferior
Planes of Reference
N.B. Some planes have alternative names
FlexionSmall Angles
Think of the position of a foetus with all their joints flexed
ExtensionLarge, open angles
Think of a ski jumper
ADduction and ABductionAdduction towards the midline
Abduction away from the midline
Rotation
Pronation and Supination
Supination: The forearm is in supination when in the anatomical position. Think holding a bowl of soup. Supination is the stronger movement, imagine using a screw driver.
Pronation: As in the picture opposite the hand is pronated if it is facing the floor.
Protraction and Retraction
Plantar flexion and Dorsiflexion Plantar Flexion – think ballet dancer or ‘plant your foot on the ground’ (True Flexion)
Dorsiflexion – think ski jumper or dorsal fin on a shark (True Extension)