Joints and their movements
I can describe the movements that occur at different types of joints.
Joints and their movements
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.
- A ball and socket joint allows all types of movement.
- Flexion and extension occur at the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints.
- Abduction and adduction occur at the shoulder 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
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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