Anatomical Terminology Basics

7. Anatomical Terms of Motion

Motion is another important part of anatomical terminology, particularly when it comes to explaining muscle movement. Flexion is bending that decreases the angle, for example, bending the elbow. Extension is the opposite, it increases the angle as in when the elbow is unbent. Abduction is moving away from midline like when the fingers are splayed apart while adduction pulls toward the midline as in making a fist.