Essential Anatomical Movements and Body Parts Terminology

Posted on Jan 31, 2026 in Physical Education

Anatomical Body Movements and Kinesiology Terms

  • Flexion (Flexió): Decreasing the angle between two body parts. Example: bending the elbow.
  • Extension (Extensió): Increasing the angle between two body parts. Example: straightening the elbow.
  • Hyperextension (Hiperextensió): Extension beyond the neutral position.
  • Abduction (Abducció): Moving a limb away from the midline of the body. Example: raising the arm sideways.
  • Adduction (Adducció): Moving a limb toward the midline of the body.
  • Medial (Internal) Rotation (Rotació medial/interna): Rotating a body part inward, toward the midline.
  • Lateral (External) Rotation (Rotació lateral/externa): Rotating a body part outward, away from the midline.
  • Circumduction (Circumducció): A circular movement that combines flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
  • Pronation (Pronació): Rotating the forearm so the palm faces downward.
  • Supination (Supinació): Rotating the forearm so the palm faces upward.
  • Dorsiflexion (Flexió dorsal): Lifting the foot upward, toward the shin.
  • Plantar Flexion (Flexió plantar): Pointing the foot downward, like pressing a pedal.
  • Inversion (Inversió): Turning the sole of the foot inward.
  • Eversion (Eversió): Turning the sole of the foot outward.
  • Elevation (Elevació): Raising a body part. Example: lifting the shoulders.
  • Depression (Descens): Lowering a body part. Example: dropping the shoulders.
  • Protraction (Protracció): Moving a body part forward. Example: pushing the jaw or shoulders forward.
  • Retraction (Retracció): Moving a body part backward. Example: pulling the jaw or shoulders backward.

Key Anatomical Body Parts and Structures

  • Head (Cap): The top part of the body that contains the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
  • Face (Cara): The front part of the head where the eyes, nose, mouth, and cheeks are located.
  • Eyes (Ulls): The organs we use to see.
  • Ears (Orelles): The organs we use to hear.
  • Nose (Nas): The part of the face used for smelling and breathing.
  • Mouth (Boca): The opening in the face used for eating, speaking, and breathing.
  • Neck (Coll): The part that connects the head to the shoulders and body.
  • Shoulders (Espatlles): The parts between the neck and the arms that help move the arms.
  • Chest (Pit): The front part of the body between the neck and the stomach, where the heart and lungs are.
  • Stomach (Estómac): The middle part of the body where food goes after eating.
  • Back (Esquena): The rear part of the body, from the neck to the waist.
  • Waist (Cintura): The narrowest part of the body between the chest and the hips.
  • Hips (Malucs): The parts on both sides of the body below the waist and above the legs.
  • Hip (Maluc): Each side of the pelvis; it supports the weight of the body when standing or moving.
  • Arms (Braços): The upper limbs of the body, used to carry, lift, and move things.
  • Elbows (Colzes): The joints in the middle of the arms that allow bending.
  • Wrists (Canells): The joints that connect the hands to the arms.
  • Hands (Mans): The parts at the ends of the arms used to hold and touch things.
  • Fingers (Dits): The five small parts at the end of each hand used to grab or feel.
  • Legs (Cames): The lower limbs of the body, used for standing, walking, and running.
  • Knees (Genolls): The joints in the middle of the legs that allow bending.
  • Ankles (Turmells): The joints that connect the feet to the legs.
  • Feet (Peus): The bottom parts of the legs that touch the ground and help us walk.
  • Toes (Dits dels peus): The five small parts at the end of each foot, used for balance and movement.