The act of turning the body, arm, or leg so the ventral aspect of the palm is down

• A. Pronation
• B. Rotation
• C. Extension
• D. Supination

Answer: (D)

Understanding forearm orientation hinges on pronation versus supination. Pronation is the movement that turns the forearm so the palm faces downward. Supination is the opposite, with the palm facing upward. The term rotation is broader and doesn’t specify how the palm is oriented, while extension refers to straightening a joint rather than rotating the hand. Therefore, the act described—turning so the ventral aspect of the palm is down—is pronation.