Which movement is characterized by turning the palm down?

The movement characterized by turning the palm down is known as pronation. In anatomical terms, pronation refers to the rotation of the forearm such that the palm faces downward or backward, as opposed to when the palm faces upward, which is termed supination. This terminology is crucial in understanding various movements of the body, particularly in sports medicine and physical therapy, as it affects how we perform exercises, handle objects, and even engage in certain sports activities.

In contrast, supination is the movement that turns the palm upward, elevation refers to lifting a body part in a superior direction, and depression is the movement that lowers a body part in an inferior direction. Understanding these terms helps in accurately describing movements and is essential for assessing injuries, developing treatment plans, and executing proper therapeutic techniques.