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angular movement

physiology
Also known as: swing movement

Quick Summary

Angular movement, also known as swing, is a type of joint motion that changes the angle between the long axis of a moving bone and a reference line in a fixed bone. Examples include the bending (flexion) and straightening (extension) of the elbow.1

Swing also encompasses abduction, which is moving a bone away from the body's midline, and adduction, which is moving it back towards the midline. Pivot joints are a specific type of joint that allows only rotary movement around a single axis, enabling actions like turning the head or twisting the forearm bones. The vestibular system in humans detects angular acceleration, such as head rotation, and organizes motor activities to maintain balance.123

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