
Motion, the process of movement, is described using specific anatomical terms. Motion includes movement of organs, joints, limbs, and specific sections of the body. The terminology used describes this motion according to its direction relative to the anatomical position of the joints. Anatomists use a unified set of terms to describe most of the movements, although other, more specialized terms are necessary for describing the uniqueness of the movements such as those of the hands, feet, and eyes.

Abduction is an anatomical term of motion referring to a movement which draws a limb out to the side, away from the median sagittal plane of the body. It is thus opposed to adduction.

Adduction is an anatomical term of motion referring to a movement which brings a part of the anatomy closer to the middle sagittal plane of the body.

Depression, in an anatomical term of motion for movement in an inferior direction. It is the opposite of elevation.

Elevation, is an anatomical term of motion for movement in a superior direction.

In anatomy, extension is a movement of a joint that increases the angle between two bones or body surfaces at a joint. Extension usually results in straightening of the bones or body surfaces involved. For example, extension is produced by extending the flexed (bent) elbow. Straightening of the arm would require extension at the elbow joint. If the head is tilted all the way back, the neck is said to be extended.

External rotation is an anatomical term of motion referring to rotation away from the center of the body. The muscles of external rotation include:

A flexor is a muscle that flexes a joint. In anatomy, flexion is a joint movement that decreases the angle between the bones that converge at the joint. For example, your elbow joint flexes when you bring your hand closer to the shoulder. Flexion is typically instigated by muscle contraction of a flexor.

In anatomy, internal rotation is an anatomical term referring to rotation towards the center of the body.