Intro to Sports MedicineIntro to Sports Medicine

Anatomical Directions and Movements

Anatomical PositionAnatomical PositionA person in the

anatomical position is standing with the head, eyes and toes pointing forward, feet together with arms by the side. The palms of the hands are also point forward.

Frontal PlaneFrontal Plane

The frontal plane divides the body into a front and back.

Median PlaneMedian Plane

The median plane divides the body down the middle into right and left sections.

Transverse PlaneTransverse Plane

The transverse plane runs across the body.

Anatomical DirectionsAnatomical DirectionsAnteriorPosteriorMedialLateralProximalDistalSuperiorInferior

AnteriorAnterior

Toward the front

PosteriorPosterior

Toward the back

MedialMedial

Toward the midline/ median plane of the

body.

LateralLateral

Away from the midline of the body.

ProximalProximal

Toward the body. (In relation to an extremity.)

DistalDistal

Away from the body. (In relation to an extremity.)

SuperiorSuperior

Upper or above

InferiorInferior

Lower or below

Movement TermsMovement TermsFlexionExtensionAbductionAdductionPronation Supination

InversionEversion RetractionProtractionRotationCircumductionPlantar flexionDorsi flexion

FlexionFlexionBending movement that

decreases the angle between two parts.

ExtensionExtension

A straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts.

AbductionAbductionA motion that pulls a structure or

part away from the midline of the body.

AdductionAdduction

A motion that pulls a structure or part towards the midline of the body.

PronationPronationA rotation of the forearm that

moves the palm from a palm up position to a palm down position.

SupinationSupinationA rotation of the forearm that

take the palm from a palm down position to a palm up position.

InversionInversionThe movement of the bottom of

the foot towards the median plane.

EversionEversion

The movement of the bottom of the foot away from the median plane.

RetractionRetractionPosterior movement of the arms

at the shoulders.

ProtractionProtraction

Anterior movement of the arms at the shoulders.

RotationRotation

A motion that occurs when a part turns on its axis.

CircumductionCircumductionThe circular (or, more precisely,

conical) movement of a body part.

Plantar flexionPlantar flexionAnkle joint motion where the toes

point downward.

Dorsi flexionDorsi flexion

Bending ankle so that the toes are raised.