Movements possible at different joints
I can describe the movements that occur at different types of joints.
Movements possible at different joints
I can describe the movements that occur at different types of joints.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A hinge joint only allows flexion and extension to occur whereas a ball and socket joint allows all types of movement.
- Flexion and extension occur at the shoulder, elbow, hip, wrist and knee joints.
- Plantar-flexion and dorsi-flexion occur at the ankle.
- Abduction and adduction occur at the shoulder, wrist and hip joints.
- Rotation and circumduction only occur at the shoulder, whilst plantar flexion and dorsiflexion only occur at the ankle.
Keywords
Flexion - a bending movement around a joint (decreasing the angle)
Extension - a straightening movement around a joint (increasing the angle)
Abduction - moving a limb away from the midline of the body
Adduction - moving a limb towards the midline of the body
Circumduction - moving a limb in a circular motion
Common misconception
Students may mix up rotation and circumduction.
When you rotate the shoulder joint you draw a dot with your hand (if the elbow is fully extended) whereas circumduction draws a circle.
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
covers the ends of bones to absorb shock and prevent friction
lubricates the joint to enable free movement
secretes synovial fluid
Exit quiz
6 Questions
straightening of the knee to execute kicking a ball
bending at the elbow to prepare to shoot in basketball
the circular motion of the arm when bowling in cricket
turning the head to breath when swimming front crawl
pointing the toes in gymnastics