NOTE: For types of body movement, see figure 5-1.

Flexion. The state of being bent. The cervical spine is flexed when the chin is moved toward the chest.

Extension. The state of being in a straight line. The cervical spine is extended when the head is held straight.

Hyperextension. The state of exaggerated extension. The cervical spine is hyperextended when the person looks overhead, toward the ceiling.

Abduction. Lateral movement of a body part away from the midline of the body. The arm is abducted when it is held away from the body.

Adduction. Lateral movement of a body part toward the midline of the body. The arm is adducted when it is moved from an outstretched position toward the body.

Rotation. Turning of a body part around an axis. The head is rotated when moved from side to side to indicate “no.”

Circumduction. Rotating an extremity in a complete circle. Circumduction is a combination of abduction, adduction, extension, and flexion.

Supination. The palm or sole is rotated in an upward position.

Pronation. The palm or sole is rotated in a downward position.