Types of Joint Movements

• The Joint movements allowed by synovial joints can be classified into several categories: Gliding, Angular, Rotational & Special Movements

1) Gliding Movements

• Simple sliding motion between flat bone surfaces.
• Example: Intercarpal joints in the wrist.

2) Angular Joint Movements

• Types:
  • Flexion: Decreasing the angle between two bones. Example: Bending the elbow.
  • Extension: Increasing the angle between two bones. Example: Straightening the elbow.
  • Hyperextension: Extension beyond the normal range of motion. Example: Bending the head backward.
  • Abduction: Movement away from the midline of the body. Example: Raising the arm sideways.
  • Adduction: Movement toward the midline of the body. Example: Bringing the arm back to the side.
  • Circumduction: A circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. Example: Moving the arm in a circular motion.

3) Rotational Joint Movements

• Types:
  • Medial (Internal) Rotation: Rotation towards the midline. Example: Rotating the thigh inward.
  • Lateral (External) Rotation: Rotation away from the midline. Example: Rotating the thigh outward.

4) Special Movements

• Types:
  • Supination: Turning the palm upward. Example: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces up.
  • Pronation: Turning the palm downward. Example: Rotating the forearm so the palm faces down.
  • Inversion: Turning the sole of the foot inward.
  • Eversion: Turning the sole of the foot outward.
  • Dorsiflexion: Bending the foot upward at the ankle.
  • Plantarflexion: Bending the foot downward at the ankle.
  • Protraction: Moving a body part forward. Example: Pushing the jaw forward.
  • Retraction: Moving a body part backward. Example: Pulling the jaw backward.
  • Elevation: Lifting a body part. Example: Shrugging the shoulders.
  • Depression: Lowering a body part. Example: Dropping the shoulders.

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