What is the definition of pronation?

Pronation is defined as the movement where the palm or foot is turned downward. When discussing the feet, pronation involves the inward roll of the foot during normal motion, which allows for weight distribution and is a natural part of walking. In the context of the arm, pronation involves the forearm rotating so that the palm faces downwards, as opposed to supination, where the palm faces upwards. This definition is critical in various fields, including medicine and physical therapy, as understanding these movements can help in diagnosing and treating conditions related to movement and alignment.

The other options describe different types of movements; for example, turning the foot or palm upward describes supination, decreasing the angle of a joint refers to flexion, and movement towards the midline is known as adduction. Each of these terms represents distinct movements that are not synonymous with pronation, reinforcing the importance of accurate terminology in anatomy and physical movement.