Table of Contents
Anatomical Movement Encoding System
This system provides a concise, unambiguous shorthand for labeling anatomical movements. It consists of three parts separated by hyphens:
JointCode–ActionCode–SideCodeNo spaces, all uppercase. Example: GH–FLE–L (left
shoulder flexion).
Joint Codes (JointCode)
A comprehensive list covering major articulations:
| Code | Joint / Region |
|---|---|
| AC | Acromioclavicular |
| ANK | Talocrural (ankle) |
| CMC | Carpometacarpal (thumb base) |
| CN | Cervical spine (neck) |
| DIP | Distal interphalangeal (finger joints) |
| DIPT | Distal interphalangeal (toe joints) |
| EL | Elbow (humeroulnar + humeroradial) |
| GH | Glenohumeral (shoulder) |
| HIP | Acetabulofemoral (hip) |
| IPF | Interphalangeal (finger or toe) |
| KN | Tibiofemoral (knee) |
| LN | Lumbar spine |
| LS | Lumbosacral junction |
| MCP | Metacarpophalangeal (knuckles) |
| MTP | Metatarsophalangeal (toe knuckles) |
| PIP | Proximal interphalangeal (finger joints) |
| RU | Radioulnar (proximal & distal forearm pivots) |
| SC | Sternoclavicular |
| SCoc | Sacrococcygeal joint |
| SI | Sacroiliac joint |
| ST | Scapulothoracic (scapular gliding) |
| SubT | Subtalar (below ankle) |
| TMJ | Temporomandibular (jaw) |
| TMT | Tarsometatarsal (midfoot) |
| TN | Thoracic spine |
| WR | Wrist (radiocarpal) |
| … | Extendable: e.g., SIJ, T4–T5, L5–S1, CL (clavicle), RIB |
Action Codes (ActionCode)
Movements and positions with standardized abbreviations:
| Code | Movement / Position |
|---|---|
| ABD | Abduction (away from midline) |
| ADD | Adduction (toward midline) |
| CIR | Circumduction (circular motion) |
| DEP | Depression (scapula down) |
| DFL | Dorsiflexion (ankle, foot up) |
| ELE | Elevation (scapula up) |
| EVE | Eversion (sole away from midline) |
| EXT | Extension (increasing angle) |
| FLE | Flexion (decreasing angle) |
| INV | Inversion (sole toward midline) |
| LTR | Lateral / external rotation |
| MTR | Medial / internal rotation |
| PFL | Plantarflexion (ankle, foot down) |
| PRO | Pronation (forearm, palm down) |
| PROT | Protraction (scapula forward) |
| RAD | Radial deviation (wrist toward thumb) |
| RET | Retraction (scapula backward) |
| SUP | Supination (forearm, palm up) |
| ULN | Ulnar deviation (wrist toward little finger) |
| … | Additional as needed (e.g., OPP = Opposition) |
Side Codes (SideCode)
Indicates which side(s) of the body:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| L | Left |
| R | Right |
| B | Bilateral / Both |
Use B for truly simultaneous bilateral actions
(e.g., ST–ELE–B). Otherwise choose L
or R.
Building a Code
- Select JointCode from the joint list.
- Select ActionCode from the action list.
- Select SideCode (L, R, or B).
- Combine with hyphens:
Joint–Action–Side.
Examples:
GH–FLE–L: Left shoulder flexionEL–EXT–R: Right elbow extensionWR–RAD–L: Left wrist radial deviationANK–DFL–R: Right ankle dorsiflexionST–RET–B: Bilateral scapular retraction
Tips for Use
- Keep this reference table accessible until familiar.
- When adding new codes, follow existing abbreviation patterns.
- Use in filenames, annotations, databases, or software tags.
- Ensure consistency—avoid ad hoc abbreviations.
With these comprehensive lists, you cover all common anatomical movements and joints for artists, clinicians, and developers alike.