Types of Body Movement: Anatomy, Physiology, Types

Body Movements

Body movements are motions or actions that a human body can execute with the aid of its muscles, bones, and joints. These movements form an essential and inseparable part of everyday life, sports, and good health.

It comprises body movements that help humans to interact with their environment, which includes walking and reaching, but also highly athletic manoeuvres and expressive gestures. This requires complex coordination between the muscles, bones, and joints, reflecting the dynamic possibilities of the human body.

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This Story also Contains

1. Body Movements
2. Types Of Body Movements
3. Table: Types Of Joints
4. Biomechanics And Functional Implications
5. Recommended Video On ‘Types Of Body Movement’

Knowing these movements not only enhances physical performance but also, more importantly, serves the purposes of joint mobility, protection from injury, and general well-being. As we go on to discuss body movements in detail, we understand how we move around and work against the forces of nature to live and pursue our activities.

Types Of Body Movements

Coming towards the mechanics of human movement, we get started with

Flexion And Extension

• Flexion is a decrease in the angle between two parts of the body, such as bending of the elbow.

• Extension is the opposite—that is, increasing the angle; for example, straightening of the elbow.

• Essential in walking, lifting, and most sports-related movements.

Abduction And Adduction

• Abduction refers to moving a part of the body away from the midline, such as raising arms sideways.

• Adduction brings it back toward the midline.

• Muscles: Like deltoids and pectoralis major are involved in abduction and adduction.

Rotation

• Medial rotation turns a body part toward the midline. For example, rotation of the thigh inland.

• Lateral rotation moves it away. For example, rotating the thigh outward.

• Examples: Hip and shoulder joints allow large amounts of rotational movement.

Circumduction

• A combination of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction that moves the bone in a circular motion (e.g. arm circles).

• Important for actions such as swimming and throwing.

Special Movements

• Pronation and Supination

• Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion

• Inversion and Eversion

Muscles And Movements

• Many muscles act in various movements.

• Biceps and triceps in flexion and extension.

• Quadriceps and hamstrings in knee movements.

Table: Types Of Joints

Biomechanics And Functional Implications

• Bones, joints, and muscles all work together to create fluid motions.

• The ligaments and tendons give stability and control.

• Range of Motion: The idea of flexibility and strength obtained by exercises avoids injuries and builds excellence in sports.

Recommended Video On ‘Types Of Body Movement’