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)