⚙️ Glenohumeral Joint

Brian Lee
Jul 08, 2025
Reviewed

Joint Type

Ball-and-socket

Movements

Flexion / Extension

Plane of Movement: Sagittal
Axis of Rotation: Mediolateral (coronal) axis
Axis Orientation: Runs side‑to‑side
Example Action: Raising arm forward / lowering behind

Abduction / Adduction

Plane of Movement: Frontal (coronal)
Axis of Rotation: Anteroposterior (sagittal) axis
Axis Orientation: Runs front‑to‑back
Example Action: Lifting arm out to side / lowering down

Internal / External Rotation

Plane of Movement: Transverse (Horizontal)
Axis of Rotation: Longitudinal (vertical) axis
Axis Orientation: Runs top‑to‑bottom
Example Action: Rotating arm inward toward body / outward

Horizontal Adduction / Abduction

Plane of Movement: Transverse (Horizontal)
Axis of Rotation: Longitudinal (vertical) axis
Axis Orientation: Runs top‑to‑bottom
Example Action: Moving arm across chest / back

References