Which term describes outward rotation of a limb?

• A. Internal rotation
• B. Abduction
• C. Adduction
• D. External rotation

Answer: (D)

Rotational movements involve turning a limb around its own long axis. Outward rotation is when the limb turns so the anterior surface moves away from the midline, which is labeled external rotation. This term is used for actions at joints like the hip or shoulder when you rotate the thigh or arm so the knee or hand moves away from the body's center. The opposite, turning toward the midline, is internal rotation. Abduction and adduction describe moving a limb away from or toward the midline in space without rotating the bone around its axis, so they don’t describe outward rotation. Therefore, outward rotation is external rotation.