Glossary

Anatomical Terminology

Superior - Higher
Inferior - Lower
Proximal - Closer to the body
Distal - Further away from the body
Supra - Above
Infra - Below
Anterior - In front
Posterior - Behind
Medial - Close to the midline
Lateral - Away from the midline
Hypertonic - Short over-active muscle
Hypotonic - Long weak muscle

Flexion - Decrease in an angle at a joint
Extension - Increase in an angle at a joint
Adduction - Movement towards the body
Abduction - Movement away from the body
Plantar Flexion - Ankle extension
Dorsi Flexion - Ankle flexion
Medial rotation - Rotation inwards
Lateral rotation - Rotation outwards
Supination - Lateral rotation of arm
Pronation - Medial rotation of arm
Protraction - Prolonging a body part
Retraction - Drawing back a body part