Which term describes movement of a portion of the body inferiorly?

• A. Elevation
• B. Depression
• C. Supination
• D. Plantarflexion

Answer: (B)

Movement of a body part downward toward the feet is called depression. Elevation is the opposite, moving a part upward. For example, lowering the shoulders or the jaw illustrates depression. Supination is a rotational turning of the forearm/hand so the palm faces upward, not a downward shift. Plantarflexion is the ankle action that points the toes downward, a joint-specific movement rather than a general downward translation of a body region. So the term that describes moving a portion of the body inferiorly is depression.