Which term refers to a combination of continuous flexion/extension and abduction/adduction?

Circumduction is the term that describes a movement that involves a combination of continuous flexion and extension along with abduction and adduction. It occurs in a circular motion, allowing a limb to move around a central point or axis. This type of movement is commonly seen in joints such as the shoulder and hip, where the end of the limb can describe a circular path while the joint itself remains stable.

In the context of circumduction, each of the components—flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction—plays a critical role in allowing this circular motion to occur. Flexion and extension provide the forward and backward movement, while abduction and adduction contribute to the side-to-side motion, enabling the full circular pathway that characterizes circumduction.

The other terms do not describe this specific combination of motions. Adduction refers solely to movement toward the midline of the body, supination involves the rotation of the forearm or foot, and elevation describes the upward movement of a body part without the combination of the other motions. Therefore, circumduction distinctly encompasses the combination of continuous flexion/extension and abduction/adduction movement patterns.