Types of Movement at Synovial Joints
Let's dive into the fascinating world of joint movements! Our bodies are capable of an incredible range of movements, all thanks to our synovial joints. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the different types of movements possible at these joints.
1. Angular Movements
Flexion and Extension
- Flexion: Decreasing the angle between bones
- Example: Bending your elbow to bring your hand toward your shoulder
- Example: Bending your knee when kicking a soccer ball
- Extension: Increasing the angle between bones
- Example: Straightening your arm at the elbow
- Example: Extending your leg when performing a front kick
Think of flexion as bringing body parts closer together, and extension as moving them apart.
Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion
- Dorsiflexion: Moving the top of the foot upward toward the shin
- Plantarflexion: Pointing the toes downward, away from the shin
When you're walking up stairs, your ankle performs dorsiflexion to lift your toes. When you're standing on your tiptoes, that's plantarflexion in action!
2. Rotational Movements
Rotation
- Medial Rotation: Rotating a limb toward the midline of the body
- Lateral Rotation: Rotating a limb away from the midline of the body
The shoulder joint is a great example of a joint capable of both medial and lateral rotation.
