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Anatomy
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AnatomyBasicsIntroduction to the musculoskeletal system
Types of body movements

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Types of body movements

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Name the terms used to describe the main types of movements.
  2. Describe the movements performed by the major joints of the human body.

Watch video

Our musculoskeletal system functions to propel our bodies within space and allows us to interact with the world around us. These movements occur at our synovial joints, as a result of muscles acting on our skeleton. Specific terms are given to each movement to help clearly communicate the way in which a joint is moving.

Watch the following video to learn about the various types of movements occurring in the human body.

Take a quiz

Now that you have watched the video on body movement check your knowledge by taking the following quiz.

To challenge yourself further, customize your own quiz on a broader array of topics.

Custom quiz: Body movements For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Movements of the head, neck and trunk
Elevation of mandible
Elevatio mandibulae
1/18
Synonyms: none
Movements of the upper limb
Movements of the lower limb

Summary

Key points about types of body movements
Terminology of movements
 Flexion / extension
Lateral (external) rotation / internal (medial) rotation
Abduction / adduction
Pronation / supination
Elevation / depression
Protraction / retraction
Plantarflexion / dorsiflexion
Eversion / inversion
Opposition / reposition
Lateral flexion
Rotation
Circumduction
Movement at the major joints Shoulder: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, external rotation, circumduction
Elbow: Flexion, extension
Proximal radioulnar joint: Pronation, supination
Wrist: Flexion, extension, adduction, abduction
Hip: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, external rotation, circumduction
Knee: Flexion, extension (small degree of internal / external rotation when knee is flexed)
Ankle: Dorsiflexion, plantarflexion
Subtalar joint: Inversion, eversion
Spine: Flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion, rotation (greatest at the atlantoaxial joint)
Mandible: Elevation, depression, protraction, retraction
Scapula: Protraction, retraction, elevation, depression, upward rotation, downward rotation

Well done!

Related articles

Types of movements in the human body Read article
Pronation and supination Read article

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