Which term describes the action of turning the palm or foot downward?

Pronation is the term that accurately describes the action of turning the palm or foot downward. In anatomical terms, pronation refers to the movement that occurs at the forearm and foot. For the forearm, pronation involves rotation of the radius over the ulna, resulting in the palm facing downward (or backward when the arm is at the side). In the context of the foot, pronation describes the combination of eversion, abduction, and dorsiflexion, leading to the arch of the foot lowering.

The other terms relate to different movements:

• Supination is the opposite movement, where the palm or foot is turned upward or inward, leading to the palm facing upwards.

• Dorsiflexion refers specifically to the movement of bringing the toes closer to the shin, raising the front of the foot upward.

• Eversion is the movement of the foot that involves turning the sole outward, away from the midline of the body.

Understanding these terms is crucial for accurately describing movements in human anatomy and physiology.